Dahlexpert
Well-Known Member
Man, it's nice seeing people go back to story telling.
X-COM THINK TANK (Out of Character Discussion about X-COM and the Series)
- Thread starter ChristopherOdd
- Start date
- Status
Yeah, I find it's important to build up a character before throwing them into the fray. That is one of the worse mistakes I see in a lot of movies made nowadays. They introduce a character and have something happen to them or kill them off immediately, and they expect us to care when we don't even know them. For me, the more you can relate to someone, the more you care when they are in trouble, and the more you root for them to succeed.
Voices in my Head: Part Two
Jake glances behind him, his eye twitching in anger at the sight of the nearby body. Turning back, he says, "Sora, I'm so sorry, but we need to go."
Suddenly, Sora looks behind Jake, a hopeful look on her face. "D...dad?"
Jake glances back briefly. Dad? Then who was that in the living room? He looks back at Sora. "Sir, we need to get out of here. This monster attacked your daughter, and I'm sure it isn't the only ARGGGGHHHH!!!!" Jake quickly raises to a sitting position. He looks around in confusion at his unfamiliar surroundings. He is in a large, open room, seemingly made completely out of metal. There are several pieces of equipment and monitors around him, vaguely reminding him of something he'd see in the hospital his father works for. There are four strange pods against the walls to his left and right, all but one containing a humanoid shape obscured by a thick, viscous green substance. "What...what the f...how did I..." Jake starts to hyperventilate, and forces himself to lay back down.
After a minute of taking several deep breaths, he moves to get back up. He's surprised to find he can't move below the neck. On the verge of panicking once more, he tries to sit up again. He is able to move his upper body again, but can't move his legs. He looks in bewilderment at the strange blue field covering his legs, as well as the one that occasionally flickers on and off where his upper body had been. Realizing he's on some kind of examination table, he looks at a monitor attached to it. It sparks and flickers, as though damaged. He taps on it randomly for a few moments before the field around his legs turns off.
Quickly climbing to his feet before the machine changes it's mind to release him, Jake looks back and forth, unsure of what to do next, and shivering as the cold room doesn't agree with his nude body. Noticing a large, red bin marked "Waste Disposal", he takes a step forward, and his legs immediately buckle under him. Barely able to catch himself, he sits on the floor, attempting to massage away the pains in his legs that make him feel like he's either been exercising for a year straight, or hasn't done so at all for a year.
Jumping at the sound of an opening door, he quickly crawls behind the table and peaks over. Two creatures, nearly identical to the one in Sora's house, are frantically pushing buttons on several computers. They say nothing, but bob their heads as though they are speaking to one another. The image of Sora's mother burned into the back of his mind, Jake lets out a soft growl, and raises to his feet. Seeming to forget about the pain in his legs, he quickly approaches the creatures. Noticing him when he's only a few feet away, they turn to face him. Jake quickly plants his foot into the face of one, it's face caving in like a rotten pumpkin. The second raises it's weapon, but Jake slaps it away with ease. As the creature backs away in fear, Jake gives it a wicked smirk, asking, "What's wrong? Not so tough without your little toys, huh? Or when you're sneaking into peoples homes and attacking children."
Keeping an eye on his opponent, Jake snatches the dead creature's weapon and points it at it's companion. "Now, I doubt you can understand my words, so pay attention." He points at the pods, then at the creature. He then points at the weapon, and then again at the creature. It slowly and cautiously steps up to one of the monitors and pushes a few buttons. Jake smiles as the fluid begins to drain from the pods. "Great, thanks. Now what to do with..." The creature stares intensely at Jake. "What are you looking at, ugly? I have...something...on...o-on......" An intense pain swirls in Jake's head. The world around him dims and grows fuzzy, and he feels as though his mind is about to explode. As he struggles to keep his arm from raising to his head, he can swear he hears laughter in his mind. Anger washing over him, Jake returns the creatures evil gaze ten-fold. His arm begins to lower, and points towards the creature. "I guess...I...win..." Jake fires, and the creature falls.
Jake collapses to the ground, wiping the blood from his nose and trying to catch his breath. After the ringing in his head finally quiets down, he makes his way over to the pods, which have finished draining. He opens the red bin near them, taking a moment to look over the strange alien handwriting on it. I swear that said waste disposal in English a few minutes ago. Relieved to find an escape from hypothermia, he dumps out the contents and rifles through the pile of discarded clothing until he finds something that fits. He grabs a digital watch, curious about the time, and stares in confusion at the date; June 11th. He looks around until he finds another watch, which displays the same date. Three months? It's been three...how?
Returning to the pods, he starts unlatching them and pulling out their occupants. A portly white man. A large, muscular Black man. A Hispanic man. Two Japanese teenage girls. As he pulls out the final two, a pair of Caucasian women, he finds his mind, and his eyes, wondering. He shakes his head violently. There's a time and a place for everything, and this is neither of those. Looking only as much as he must, he sizes out clothing for the women, and well as everyone else.
As everyone comes around, Jake goes through the disposed-of items, looking for something useful. He finds a small knife, but nothing else. As he grabs the two alien weapons, one of the young girls lets out a yelp of pain. Jake turns to find her on the ground in front of the portly man. "Watch where you're going, you stupid little bitch!" The other girl runs between them, shouting at the man in Japanese. "You want some too?" The man raises his arm to strike her.
As the man's arm comes down, Jake runs up and takes a blow to the shoulder. Flinching in pain, he shouts, "What the hell are you doing! They're children! And besides, if you took a moment to look at the girl's squinting, you'd know she can't see."
"What do I care." The man crosses his arms. "If the oriental brat can't see where she's going, she can sit there until the grey's come for her."
"Is there a problem?" Asks a deep voice behind him.
"As a matter of fact..." He turns and raises his head, looking into the eyes of the imposing mountain of muscles behind him. He smiles nervously, and walks away without another word.
The new man grumbles angrily, and walks up to Jake, who is kneeling in front of the girls, examining them. "Are they okay?"
Jake nods. "Um, yeah, they're just scared. I don't blame them. And that prick isn't helping with matters."
"Save your energy. He isn't worth your anger, and we have more to worry about."
Jake nods in agreement, and stands up. "Watch them for a minute, will you." He walks over to the pile of objects.
Flashing a cautious smile, the man says, "You two alright? My name is Duncan. Can, uh...can you speak English?" The girls share a look, and one of them lifts her hand, holding her thumb and index finger close together.
"It's alright, I can translate for them." Jake returns with several pairs of glasses. The near-sighted girl looks at several of them, smiling at the sight of a red set. As she puts them on, Jake gives her a curious look.
"Everything okay?" Duncan asks.
"Hm? Oh, yeah." Jake climbs to his feet. "She just looks familiar. They both do. I think they might have been friends with my neighbor."
Nodding, Duncan says, "Alright. Well, we need a plan of action. We can't stay here." He walks towards the rest of the group, and in a louder tone, says, "Alright everyone, I doubt we're safe here, so let's keep the introductions short and sweet. I'm Duncan, and this is Jake."
He looks at the Hispanic man, who says. "Victor. Pero no puedo hablar Inglés."
"Está bien," Duncan responds. "Puedo traducir para usted."
The rest of the group introduce themselves in turn. Alice, the blond haired woman with a slight British accent. Alexandra, the black-haired woman with a thick Romanian accent. Frank, the other man. Rei, the girl with glasses, and Hitomi, her friend. Stepping forward, Jake says, "I got a hold of two weapons from our captors. Does anyone have experience with firearms?"
"I do." Duncan takes one of the weapons. "I'm a cop, or at least I was until my city was overrun."
"I, too, have experience." Alexandra steps forward to claim the other weapon. "This assumes these weapons are same as weapons I have used." She takes aim at one of the alien bodies, firing at it. She smiles. "Close enough."
Duncan chuckles, and says, "Alright everyone, take a few more minutes to rest up. Then we can start thinking of a way to get out of here."
As he steps over to one of the computers, Jake steps to his side, and in a low voice, asks, "How did you know my name, Duncan? I don't think I told you it."
Duncan smiles. "What are you talking about, of course..." Noting Jake's serious look, he drops his smile and asks, "Jake, um, let me ask you a question. How many times have you woken up since you've been here?"
Worry sweeps across Jake's face. "Well, I want to say this is the first time, but why do I get the feeling that's not right?"
Duncan sighs. "Listen, Jake, from what I've seen, and from what I've heard from others, you were...for a lack of a better term, you were their favorite. Trust me, if you've forgotten everything, you're fortunate." Jake thinks for a moment, but decides it best to drop the subject. He turns his attention towards the computer as Duncan turns to the rest. "Alright, we better get out of here."
Jake glances behind him, his eye twitching in anger at the sight of the nearby body. Turning back, he says, "Sora, I'm so sorry, but we need to go."
Suddenly, Sora looks behind Jake, a hopeful look on her face. "D...dad?"
Jake glances back briefly. Dad? Then who was that in the living room? He looks back at Sora. "Sir, we need to get out of here. This monster attacked your daughter, and I'm sure it isn't the only ARGGGGHHHH!!!!" Jake quickly raises to a sitting position. He looks around in confusion at his unfamiliar surroundings. He is in a large, open room, seemingly made completely out of metal. There are several pieces of equipment and monitors around him, vaguely reminding him of something he'd see in the hospital his father works for. There are four strange pods against the walls to his left and right, all but one containing a humanoid shape obscured by a thick, viscous green substance. "What...what the f...how did I..." Jake starts to hyperventilate, and forces himself to lay back down.
After a minute of taking several deep breaths, he moves to get back up. He's surprised to find he can't move below the neck. On the verge of panicking once more, he tries to sit up again. He is able to move his upper body again, but can't move his legs. He looks in bewilderment at the strange blue field covering his legs, as well as the one that occasionally flickers on and off where his upper body had been. Realizing he's on some kind of examination table, he looks at a monitor attached to it. It sparks and flickers, as though damaged. He taps on it randomly for a few moments before the field around his legs turns off.
Quickly climbing to his feet before the machine changes it's mind to release him, Jake looks back and forth, unsure of what to do next, and shivering as the cold room doesn't agree with his nude body. Noticing a large, red bin marked "Waste Disposal", he takes a step forward, and his legs immediately buckle under him. Barely able to catch himself, he sits on the floor, attempting to massage away the pains in his legs that make him feel like he's either been exercising for a year straight, or hasn't done so at all for a year.
Jumping at the sound of an opening door, he quickly crawls behind the table and peaks over. Two creatures, nearly identical to the one in Sora's house, are frantically pushing buttons on several computers. They say nothing, but bob their heads as though they are speaking to one another. The image of Sora's mother burned into the back of his mind, Jake lets out a soft growl, and raises to his feet. Seeming to forget about the pain in his legs, he quickly approaches the creatures. Noticing him when he's only a few feet away, they turn to face him. Jake quickly plants his foot into the face of one, it's face caving in like a rotten pumpkin. The second raises it's weapon, but Jake slaps it away with ease. As the creature backs away in fear, Jake gives it a wicked smirk, asking, "What's wrong? Not so tough without your little toys, huh? Or when you're sneaking into peoples homes and attacking children."
Keeping an eye on his opponent, Jake snatches the dead creature's weapon and points it at it's companion. "Now, I doubt you can understand my words, so pay attention." He points at the pods, then at the creature. He then points at the weapon, and then again at the creature. It slowly and cautiously steps up to one of the monitors and pushes a few buttons. Jake smiles as the fluid begins to drain from the pods. "Great, thanks. Now what to do with..." The creature stares intensely at Jake. "What are you looking at, ugly? I have...something...on...o-on......" An intense pain swirls in Jake's head. The world around him dims and grows fuzzy, and he feels as though his mind is about to explode. As he struggles to keep his arm from raising to his head, he can swear he hears laughter in his mind. Anger washing over him, Jake returns the creatures evil gaze ten-fold. His arm begins to lower, and points towards the creature. "I guess...I...win..." Jake fires, and the creature falls.
Jake collapses to the ground, wiping the blood from his nose and trying to catch his breath. After the ringing in his head finally quiets down, he makes his way over to the pods, which have finished draining. He opens the red bin near them, taking a moment to look over the strange alien handwriting on it. I swear that said waste disposal in English a few minutes ago. Relieved to find an escape from hypothermia, he dumps out the contents and rifles through the pile of discarded clothing until he finds something that fits. He grabs a digital watch, curious about the time, and stares in confusion at the date; June 11th. He looks around until he finds another watch, which displays the same date. Three months? It's been three...how?
Returning to the pods, he starts unlatching them and pulling out their occupants. A portly white man. A large, muscular Black man. A Hispanic man. Two Japanese teenage girls. As he pulls out the final two, a pair of Caucasian women, he finds his mind, and his eyes, wondering. He shakes his head violently. There's a time and a place for everything, and this is neither of those. Looking only as much as he must, he sizes out clothing for the women, and well as everyone else.
As everyone comes around, Jake goes through the disposed-of items, looking for something useful. He finds a small knife, but nothing else. As he grabs the two alien weapons, one of the young girls lets out a yelp of pain. Jake turns to find her on the ground in front of the portly man. "Watch where you're going, you stupid little bitch!" The other girl runs between them, shouting at the man in Japanese. "You want some too?" The man raises his arm to strike her.
As the man's arm comes down, Jake runs up and takes a blow to the shoulder. Flinching in pain, he shouts, "What the hell are you doing! They're children! And besides, if you took a moment to look at the girl's squinting, you'd know she can't see."
"What do I care." The man crosses his arms. "If the oriental brat can't see where she's going, she can sit there until the grey's come for her."
"Is there a problem?" Asks a deep voice behind him.
"As a matter of fact..." He turns and raises his head, looking into the eyes of the imposing mountain of muscles behind him. He smiles nervously, and walks away without another word.
The new man grumbles angrily, and walks up to Jake, who is kneeling in front of the girls, examining them. "Are they okay?"
Jake nods. "Um, yeah, they're just scared. I don't blame them. And that prick isn't helping with matters."
"Save your energy. He isn't worth your anger, and we have more to worry about."
Jake nods in agreement, and stands up. "Watch them for a minute, will you." He walks over to the pile of objects.
Flashing a cautious smile, the man says, "You two alright? My name is Duncan. Can, uh...can you speak English?" The girls share a look, and one of them lifts her hand, holding her thumb and index finger close together.
"It's alright, I can translate for them." Jake returns with several pairs of glasses. The near-sighted girl looks at several of them, smiling at the sight of a red set. As she puts them on, Jake gives her a curious look.
"Everything okay?" Duncan asks.
"Hm? Oh, yeah." Jake climbs to his feet. "She just looks familiar. They both do. I think they might have been friends with my neighbor."
Nodding, Duncan says, "Alright. Well, we need a plan of action. We can't stay here." He walks towards the rest of the group, and in a louder tone, says, "Alright everyone, I doubt we're safe here, so let's keep the introductions short and sweet. I'm Duncan, and this is Jake."
He looks at the Hispanic man, who says. "Victor. Pero no puedo hablar Inglés."
"Está bien," Duncan responds. "Puedo traducir para usted."
The rest of the group introduce themselves in turn. Alice, the blond haired woman with a slight British accent. Alexandra, the black-haired woman with a thick Romanian accent. Frank, the other man. Rei, the girl with glasses, and Hitomi, her friend. Stepping forward, Jake says, "I got a hold of two weapons from our captors. Does anyone have experience with firearms?"
"I do." Duncan takes one of the weapons. "I'm a cop, or at least I was until my city was overrun."
"I, too, have experience." Alexandra steps forward to claim the other weapon. "This assumes these weapons are same as weapons I have used." She takes aim at one of the alien bodies, firing at it. She smiles. "Close enough."
Duncan chuckles, and says, "Alright everyone, take a few more minutes to rest up. Then we can start thinking of a way to get out of here."
As he steps over to one of the computers, Jake steps to his side, and in a low voice, asks, "How did you know my name, Duncan? I don't think I told you it."
Duncan smiles. "What are you talking about, of course..." Noting Jake's serious look, he drops his smile and asks, "Jake, um, let me ask you a question. How many times have you woken up since you've been here?"
Worry sweeps across Jake's face. "Well, I want to say this is the first time, but why do I get the feeling that's not right?"
Duncan sighs. "Listen, Jake, from what I've seen, and from what I've heard from others, you were...for a lack of a better term, you were their favorite. Trust me, if you've forgotten everything, you're fortunate." Jake thinks for a moment, but decides it best to drop the subject. He turns his attention towards the computer as Duncan turns to the rest. "Alright, we better get out of here."
Last edited:
Voices in my Head: Part 2.5
"Why?" Frank steps forward. "Why should we leave? Why should we trust you?"
Duncan rolls his eyes. "What are you talking about?"
"What makes you think it's any safer out there?"
"The base is under attack by someone." Jake rapidly types on the computer before him. "Maybe someone who can help us. But there's no telling when more of those things could come in here, so we're better off looking..."
"How do you know that?" Frank looks at the computer. "How are you using that? There's no way you should be able to read that alien writing."
"I...I, um..." Jake looks down at his rapidly typing fingers. "I don't know, I just...can. The alien writing looks...well, alien to me, but it's like there is something in my mind translating it for me."
Frank shakes his head and gives Jake an angry look. "I saw them doing things to you. Putting things in, replacing things. How do we know you aren't..."
"What did they do?" Jake looks back and forth in a panic. His companions avoid eye contact, with the exception of Frank.
"These thing's medical technology is amazing if I can't even see the scar where the top of your head was removed." As Jake traces his hand along his head, Frank chuckles. "By the way, how are you feeling? Your breathing alright?"
"Yeah it's fine, I..." Jake takes a deep breath. "I-In fact...it's better then ever. It's almost as if..."
"Did you have weak lungs as a kid? Weak heart? Guess you don't have to worry about that any more, huh?" He nods his head towards the far wall. Jake spins around and stares at what appears to be a human heart and a pair of lungs in a large jar. As the implications hit him, Jake starts to panic. His breathing grows faster, and as he wonders how he is breathing at all, his breathing grows faster still. His eyes watering, Jake collapses to the ground, curling into a ball and rocking back and forth.
As the girls run to Jake's side to comfort him, Alexandra steps forward. "That is enough, little man. What is it you try to prove?"
"Don't you see?" Frank waves his hand towards Jake. "He's one of them. He's probably got a...a chip or something controlling him. And if Mr. Duncan here trust him, then he's a fool. And if the rest of you were smart..."
"Smart like Frank?" Alexandra scoffs. "This sounds like redundancy to me."
"Use your head, you sodding idiot." Alice kneels down by Jake and the girls. "They had us captured and contained. Why would Jake release us? Are you suggesting he plans to lead us into one trap after releasing us from another trap?" She smiles at Jake, offering him her hand. After a few moment, he wipes the tears from his eyes and excepts her hand, climbing to his feet.
"Besides," Alexandra narrows her gaze at Frank, "Even if he is controlled, I would still rather side with this boy then long-winded Pulă."
Victor gives Duncan a questioning look. The two converse in Spanish for a few minutes, before Victor gives Frank a dirty look and stands by Jake's side. Duncan laughs heartily, and slowly approaches Frank. "I guess you're outnumbered, Franky. You're welcome to go on your own, or you can stick with us. But if you decide on the latter..." He reaches out suddenly, grabbing Frank by the collar and lifting him into the air with one arm. He pulls him close to his face, and finishes, "...then I suggest you keep your mouth shut from now on." Frank nods nervously, and Duncan drops him.
Jake smiles, and opens his mouth to express his gratitude, when the door on one end of the room slowly opens. As Duncan and Alexandra raise their weapons, Jake pushes the girls back and stands in front of them. Two tall men in suits step into the room. Duncan lowers his weapon and let's out a sigh of relief. "Boy, are we glad to see the cavalry." The pair of man exchange a nod, and raise their weapons.
"Why?" Frank steps forward. "Why should we leave? Why should we trust you?"
Duncan rolls his eyes. "What are you talking about?"
"What makes you think it's any safer out there?"
"The base is under attack by someone." Jake rapidly types on the computer before him. "Maybe someone who can help us. But there's no telling when more of those things could come in here, so we're better off looking..."
"How do you know that?" Frank looks at the computer. "How are you using that? There's no way you should be able to read that alien writing."
"I...I, um..." Jake looks down at his rapidly typing fingers. "I don't know, I just...can. The alien writing looks...well, alien to me, but it's like there is something in my mind translating it for me."
Frank shakes his head and gives Jake an angry look. "I saw them doing things to you. Putting things in, replacing things. How do we know you aren't..."
"What did they do?" Jake looks back and forth in a panic. His companions avoid eye contact, with the exception of Frank.
"These thing's medical technology is amazing if I can't even see the scar where the top of your head was removed." As Jake traces his hand along his head, Frank chuckles. "By the way, how are you feeling? Your breathing alright?"
"Yeah it's fine, I..." Jake takes a deep breath. "I-In fact...it's better then ever. It's almost as if..."
"Did you have weak lungs as a kid? Weak heart? Guess you don't have to worry about that any more, huh?" He nods his head towards the far wall. Jake spins around and stares at what appears to be a human heart and a pair of lungs in a large jar. As the implications hit him, Jake starts to panic. His breathing grows faster, and as he wonders how he is breathing at all, his breathing grows faster still. His eyes watering, Jake collapses to the ground, curling into a ball and rocking back and forth.
As the girls run to Jake's side to comfort him, Alexandra steps forward. "That is enough, little man. What is it you try to prove?"
"Don't you see?" Frank waves his hand towards Jake. "He's one of them. He's probably got a...a chip or something controlling him. And if Mr. Duncan here trust him, then he's a fool. And if the rest of you were smart..."
"Smart like Frank?" Alexandra scoffs. "This sounds like redundancy to me."
"Use your head, you sodding idiot." Alice kneels down by Jake and the girls. "They had us captured and contained. Why would Jake release us? Are you suggesting he plans to lead us into one trap after releasing us from another trap?" She smiles at Jake, offering him her hand. After a few moment, he wipes the tears from his eyes and excepts her hand, climbing to his feet.
"Besides," Alexandra narrows her gaze at Frank, "Even if he is controlled, I would still rather side with this boy then long-winded Pulă."
Victor gives Duncan a questioning look. The two converse in Spanish for a few minutes, before Victor gives Frank a dirty look and stands by Jake's side. Duncan laughs heartily, and slowly approaches Frank. "I guess you're outnumbered, Franky. You're welcome to go on your own, or you can stick with us. But if you decide on the latter..." He reaches out suddenly, grabbing Frank by the collar and lifting him into the air with one arm. He pulls him close to his face, and finishes, "...then I suggest you keep your mouth shut from now on." Frank nods nervously, and Duncan drops him.
Jake smiles, and opens his mouth to express his gratitude, when the door on one end of the room slowly opens. As Duncan and Alexandra raise their weapons, Jake pushes the girls back and stands in front of them. Two tall men in suits step into the room. Duncan lowers his weapon and let's out a sigh of relief. "Boy, are we glad to see the cavalry." The pair of man exchange a nod, and raise their weapons.
Last edited:
Part three will have to come tomorrow. It takes me quite a bit longer to write these then even I usually realize. Still, gives me time to think of something good.
Voices in my Head: Part Three
"...then I suggest you keep your mouth shut from now on." Frank nods nervously, and Duncan drops him. Jake smiles, and opens his mouth to express his gratitude, when the door on one end of the room slowly opens. Duncan and Alexandra raise their weapons, and Jake pushes Hitomi and Rei behind him. At the sight of the two suited men, the girls exchange a hopeful look. "Boy, are we glad to see the cavalry."
The next few seconds feel as though they're happening in slow motion, a plethora of thoughts and emotions swimming through the girls' minds. Relief at the sight of their possible rescue. Horror at the sight of the weapons raising to point at Duncan and Alexandra. Anger at everyone's lack of caution. Confusion at the sight of a knife flying from Jake's hand. Surprise at seeing Jake run forward.
The knife strikes the tall man aiming at Alexandra in the chest, throwing off it's aim as the two fire. Alexandra fires back, hitting her target, but taking a hit herself. After yanking the weapon from Duncan's hand, Jake shoves him out of the way, and the blast barely misses him. Knowing he can't count on his aim, Jake unloads, finally blasting the other opponent on the fifth shot.
As the adrenaline wears off, Jake and Duncan run to Alexandra's side. Rei tries to look over them. "Is she okay? Do you think she..."
"I don't know. Let's find out." Hitomi grabs Rei's hand and pulls her forward.
"Won't we, ugh, be in the way?" Rei asks, but her impulsive friend ignores her.
Duncan rips open the side of Alexandra's shirt and examines her wound. "Damn it. I can't believe I let my guard down like that. I'm sorry, I-I..."
"Save your regrets, mister police man, I am not yet dead." Alexandra winces in pain. "But it does hurt like bitch."
Noticing the girls approaching, Jake addressees them in Japanese. "Girls, we need you two to grab some cloths. Try to find something soft, something strong, and most important, something clean."
The pair both nod, and head over to the pile of cloths. As they look for something to use, Hitomi hesitantly asks, "Do...do you think Jake is, um...you know?"
Rei glances back at him for a moment. "I'm not sure. He looks like him, but I only saw him one or two times. And I'm not sure how common his name is." Hitomi sighs deeply. Reading her expression, Rei asks, "It isn't him you're thinking of, is it?"
Hitomi shakes her head. "We've been friends since we were babies. She's like our sister. She is our sister, I just..."
Rei wraps her arm around Hitomi's shoulder. "I know, Hitomi, but we can't think about it. We need to be strong. I'm sure they''ll need even our help." Settling on a clean looking cotton shirt, they return to the others.
Duncan takes the shirt with a smile, ripping it in half and handing half of it to Victor so they can rip it into strips. The pair kneel down next to Jake, who is examining a strange device. "What's that?" Rei asks.
"I, uh, I'm not sure." Jake smiles sheepishly. "I figured since we were in some sort of examination room, these things would have some kind of medical equipment. Something, I'm not sure what, told me this is what I was looking for."
"Hey!" Alexandra looks at him, desperately trying to hide the pain she feels. "I hope you are not telling children anything to frighten them about me. I am fine. I only need bandage and aspirin, and I will be good as new."
"I know," Jake smiles at her. "Luckily that weapon cauterized the hole it put in your side for us."
"You are funny man." Alexandra narrows her eyes. "I remember your jokes when I am kicking your ass later."
Jake nervously turns his head from her. He notices Hitomi's nervous look. Returning his attention to the device, he asks her, "Is everything okay?"
Hitomi jumps, having been lost in thought, and puts on a forced smile. "Y-yeah, of course. I, um...I was just wondering..."
"Yes?" Jake raises an eyebrow.
"I, um...do you...did you know who, um...have you..." Hitomi trails of, too afraid to ask her question.
Coming to her friend's aid, Rei says, "We were just wondering...how you knew about those things." She gives Hitomi a reassuring smile, and gets a nod of gratitude in response. "Yeah, that's it. Everyone else dropped their guard, but you reacted right away."
Jake chuckles ironically. "Yeah, Frank asked me the same thing. He doesn't trust me, after all." His eyes momentarily dart at Frank standing guard by the door the tall men came in, fanning at them with a metal tray in an attempt to blow away the noxious gas that seemed to seep from them upon death. "Truth is, one of those things is the reason I'm here. I dropped my guard because I was helping my neighbor, and she mistook it for her father. Not falling for that again. Fool me once, shame on you. Try to fool me twice, I throw a knife into your chest."
Hitomi and Rei exchange a hopeful glance. "Your neighbor? Then does that mean..."
Before she can finish, the device lights up. "Finally!" Jake turns to Alexandra. "Are you sure about this? We can't be sure..."
"It is fine." Alexandra moves her hand from her wound. "I am of little use as I am now, so we either try this, or I am left behind. Maybe both."
As Jake moves the device towards Alexandra's side, Rei grabs his wrist. "What are you doing? You said you weren't sure what that is. Aren't you going to test it first?"
Jake shrugs. "Yeah, I'd like to, but who do I test it on? I hate to say it, but the best person to test it on is somebody who..."
"No, I mean," Rei looks around the room. "You said this was some kind of medical examination room, right? Surely there is something we could use."
"Oh! I know!" Hitomi jumps up and grabs Rei's hand. "Come on. I have an idea." The two run over to the other side of the room. "Here we go."
"What do you mean? Where?" Rei looks back and forth in confusion.
"What do you mean, what do I mean? You grab the wrong glasses? Right here!" Hitomi runs up to one of the small grey aliens, and grabs it's leg.
"What are you doing!?" Rei looks at the creature in disgust.
"It was your idea. We need a test subject, and here it is." Hitomi starts dragging it. "Man, it's heavier then it looks. You gonna help, or just stand there?"
Rei lets out a whimper. She grabs a discarded shirt, and she wraps it around the creatures other leg. As the pair drag the creature towards Jake, Rei continues to moan in disgust. "Ew, ew, ew, ew, ew..."
Hitomi chuckles. "Come on, stop being such a prissy baby."
"PRISSY?" Rei flashes her a dirty look. "Prissy is when I didn't want to dissect that owl pellet in school."
"Same thing."
"Are you mad?" Rei's look changes to one of annoyance. "We're dragging a dead, extraterrestrial...thing across a room, leaving a trail of blood behind us. How is this the same thing!"
"A daikon is big and white, but it's still a radish, right?"
"Great. So when we get out of here, I'll give you a nice, red radish to throw at me and then I'll throw a daikon at your head, and we'll see if it's the same." The pair reach the others. Duncan and Jake exchange a few words, and they both start laughing. "What's so funny!?"
Jake shakes his head. "We were just saying that we're sure everyone's hungry, but maybe you should find something more practical."
Rei's face reddens, and she angrily places her hands on her hips. "W-w-what are you...we...we don't want you to eat it, I...we..."
"Relax," a laughing Hitomi interrupts. "They're joking."
Rei turns her back to the rest, folding her arms together. Jake turns the device towards the body, saying, "This was a smart idea, you two. Really, thank you." Rei let's out a 'hmph', but a smile creeps across her face. Jake spends the next several minutes testing the device on the body, and after nearly melting it's arm off, he figures out how it works. Using it on Alexandra, he asks, "Any better?"
Alexandra places her hand on her side. "Surprisingly, yes. I am not at one hundred percent, but I think I can walk."
As Duncan places their makeshift bandages on her, Alice runs over from the door she had been guarding, opposite the one the tall men had come in. "Is she okay?" she asks in a low voice, "Because we need to leave. Now. There are three of those things outside the door, and they have this really big, beefy creature with them. I'm sure they'll be coming in here any minute now."
The group quickly finish bandaging Alexandra and head for the door by Frank. Jake yanks the knife from the creature's chest and offers it to Frank, who accepts it. With the grey creature's weapon still holding ammo, Jake peaks out the door. Finding nothing, he nods at the others, and they quickly but carefully file out, Duncan and Alexandra watching the front and rear of the group with the tall men's rifle-like weapons.
The group move slowly and methodically, stopping every few paces and at every turn or doorway to look ahead. At several instances, they wait for minutes at a time in hiding for the creatures to run by. All the while, Hitomi and Rei keep their hands clasped tightly together. Hitomi occasionally gives Jake a questioning look, but Rei shakes her head, whispering, "Not now."
"...then I suggest you keep your mouth shut from now on." Frank nods nervously, and Duncan drops him. Jake smiles, and opens his mouth to express his gratitude, when the door on one end of the room slowly opens. Duncan and Alexandra raise their weapons, and Jake pushes Hitomi and Rei behind him. At the sight of the two suited men, the girls exchange a hopeful look. "Boy, are we glad to see the cavalry."
The next few seconds feel as though they're happening in slow motion, a plethora of thoughts and emotions swimming through the girls' minds. Relief at the sight of their possible rescue. Horror at the sight of the weapons raising to point at Duncan and Alexandra. Anger at everyone's lack of caution. Confusion at the sight of a knife flying from Jake's hand. Surprise at seeing Jake run forward.
The knife strikes the tall man aiming at Alexandra in the chest, throwing off it's aim as the two fire. Alexandra fires back, hitting her target, but taking a hit herself. After yanking the weapon from Duncan's hand, Jake shoves him out of the way, and the blast barely misses him. Knowing he can't count on his aim, Jake unloads, finally blasting the other opponent on the fifth shot.
As the adrenaline wears off, Jake and Duncan run to Alexandra's side. Rei tries to look over them. "Is she okay? Do you think she..."
"I don't know. Let's find out." Hitomi grabs Rei's hand and pulls her forward.
"Won't we, ugh, be in the way?" Rei asks, but her impulsive friend ignores her.
Duncan rips open the side of Alexandra's shirt and examines her wound. "Damn it. I can't believe I let my guard down like that. I'm sorry, I-I..."
"Save your regrets, mister police man, I am not yet dead." Alexandra winces in pain. "But it does hurt like bitch."
Noticing the girls approaching, Jake addressees them in Japanese. "Girls, we need you two to grab some cloths. Try to find something soft, something strong, and most important, something clean."
The pair both nod, and head over to the pile of cloths. As they look for something to use, Hitomi hesitantly asks, "Do...do you think Jake is, um...you know?"
Rei glances back at him for a moment. "I'm not sure. He looks like him, but I only saw him one or two times. And I'm not sure how common his name is." Hitomi sighs deeply. Reading her expression, Rei asks, "It isn't him you're thinking of, is it?"
Hitomi shakes her head. "We've been friends since we were babies. She's like our sister. She is our sister, I just..."
Rei wraps her arm around Hitomi's shoulder. "I know, Hitomi, but we can't think about it. We need to be strong. I'm sure they''ll need even our help." Settling on a clean looking cotton shirt, they return to the others.
Duncan takes the shirt with a smile, ripping it in half and handing half of it to Victor so they can rip it into strips. The pair kneel down next to Jake, who is examining a strange device. "What's that?" Rei asks.
"I, uh, I'm not sure." Jake smiles sheepishly. "I figured since we were in some sort of examination room, these things would have some kind of medical equipment. Something, I'm not sure what, told me this is what I was looking for."
"Hey!" Alexandra looks at him, desperately trying to hide the pain she feels. "I hope you are not telling children anything to frighten them about me. I am fine. I only need bandage and aspirin, and I will be good as new."
"I know," Jake smiles at her. "Luckily that weapon cauterized the hole it put in your side for us."
"You are funny man." Alexandra narrows her eyes. "I remember your jokes when I am kicking your ass later."
Jake nervously turns his head from her. He notices Hitomi's nervous look. Returning his attention to the device, he asks her, "Is everything okay?"
Hitomi jumps, having been lost in thought, and puts on a forced smile. "Y-yeah, of course. I, um...I was just wondering..."
"Yes?" Jake raises an eyebrow.
"I, um...do you...did you know who, um...have you..." Hitomi trails of, too afraid to ask her question.
Coming to her friend's aid, Rei says, "We were just wondering...how you knew about those things." She gives Hitomi a reassuring smile, and gets a nod of gratitude in response. "Yeah, that's it. Everyone else dropped their guard, but you reacted right away."
Jake chuckles ironically. "Yeah, Frank asked me the same thing. He doesn't trust me, after all." His eyes momentarily dart at Frank standing guard by the door the tall men came in, fanning at them with a metal tray in an attempt to blow away the noxious gas that seemed to seep from them upon death. "Truth is, one of those things is the reason I'm here. I dropped my guard because I was helping my neighbor, and she mistook it for her father. Not falling for that again. Fool me once, shame on you. Try to fool me twice, I throw a knife into your chest."
Hitomi and Rei exchange a hopeful glance. "Your neighbor? Then does that mean..."
Before she can finish, the device lights up. "Finally!" Jake turns to Alexandra. "Are you sure about this? We can't be sure..."
"It is fine." Alexandra moves her hand from her wound. "I am of little use as I am now, so we either try this, or I am left behind. Maybe both."
As Jake moves the device towards Alexandra's side, Rei grabs his wrist. "What are you doing? You said you weren't sure what that is. Aren't you going to test it first?"
Jake shrugs. "Yeah, I'd like to, but who do I test it on? I hate to say it, but the best person to test it on is somebody who..."
"No, I mean," Rei looks around the room. "You said this was some kind of medical examination room, right? Surely there is something we could use."
"Oh! I know!" Hitomi jumps up and grabs Rei's hand. "Come on. I have an idea." The two run over to the other side of the room. "Here we go."
"What do you mean? Where?" Rei looks back and forth in confusion.
"What do you mean, what do I mean? You grab the wrong glasses? Right here!" Hitomi runs up to one of the small grey aliens, and grabs it's leg.
"What are you doing!?" Rei looks at the creature in disgust.
"It was your idea. We need a test subject, and here it is." Hitomi starts dragging it. "Man, it's heavier then it looks. You gonna help, or just stand there?"
Rei lets out a whimper. She grabs a discarded shirt, and she wraps it around the creatures other leg. As the pair drag the creature towards Jake, Rei continues to moan in disgust. "Ew, ew, ew, ew, ew..."
Hitomi chuckles. "Come on, stop being such a prissy baby."
"PRISSY?" Rei flashes her a dirty look. "Prissy is when I didn't want to dissect that owl pellet in school."
"Same thing."
"Are you mad?" Rei's look changes to one of annoyance. "We're dragging a dead, extraterrestrial...thing across a room, leaving a trail of blood behind us. How is this the same thing!"
"A daikon is big and white, but it's still a radish, right?"
"Great. So when we get out of here, I'll give you a nice, red radish to throw at me and then I'll throw a daikon at your head, and we'll see if it's the same." The pair reach the others. Duncan and Jake exchange a few words, and they both start laughing. "What's so funny!?"
Jake shakes his head. "We were just saying that we're sure everyone's hungry, but maybe you should find something more practical."
Rei's face reddens, and she angrily places her hands on her hips. "W-w-what are you...we...we don't want you to eat it, I...we..."
"Relax," a laughing Hitomi interrupts. "They're joking."
Rei turns her back to the rest, folding her arms together. Jake turns the device towards the body, saying, "This was a smart idea, you two. Really, thank you." Rei let's out a 'hmph', but a smile creeps across her face. Jake spends the next several minutes testing the device on the body, and after nearly melting it's arm off, he figures out how it works. Using it on Alexandra, he asks, "Any better?"
Alexandra places her hand on her side. "Surprisingly, yes. I am not at one hundred percent, but I think I can walk."
As Duncan places their makeshift bandages on her, Alice runs over from the door she had been guarding, opposite the one the tall men had come in. "Is she okay?" she asks in a low voice, "Because we need to leave. Now. There are three of those things outside the door, and they have this really big, beefy creature with them. I'm sure they'll be coming in here any minute now."
The group quickly finish bandaging Alexandra and head for the door by Frank. Jake yanks the knife from the creature's chest and offers it to Frank, who accepts it. With the grey creature's weapon still holding ammo, Jake peaks out the door. Finding nothing, he nods at the others, and they quickly but carefully file out, Duncan and Alexandra watching the front and rear of the group with the tall men's rifle-like weapons.
The group move slowly and methodically, stopping every few paces and at every turn or doorway to look ahead. At several instances, they wait for minutes at a time in hiding for the creatures to run by. All the while, Hitomi and Rei keep their hands clasped tightly together. Hitomi occasionally gives Jake a questioning look, but Rei shakes her head, whispering, "Not now."
Last edited:
Voices in my Head: Part 3.5
After an hour and a half, they approach a large barrier made out of energy. Jake looks it over, thinking out loud, "Now what do you suppose this is?"
Stepping to his side, Duncan says, "Maybe it's a door. Question is, can we open it, and can we do so slowly and quietly."
Jake takes a look at a nearby monitor. "Um...it looks like yes to the first, but I'm not so sure about the second. I think we can just touch it, but it'll probably open completely.
"And without knowing what's on the other side..." Duncan grumbles in frustration.
"Should we turn back?" Frank asks. "Maybe we can try that other door."
"And lose all the progress we made?" Alice looks down at the girls. "And besides, these two look tired."
"I am hating to admit this, but I am not feeling so good either." Alexandra sits on a ledge, lightly grasping her side.
"One of us will have to open it while the others take aim." Duncan stands in front of the door. "Everyone stand to the sides. I'll..."
"I'll do it!" Rei steps forward.
"She means 'we'll' do it." Hitomi grasps her hand.
"Like hell you will!" Duncan reaches forward to push the girls aside.
Rei slaps his hand away. Struggling with her English, she says, "You are too big. We are little...um, small...smaller. We open door, there things that shoot, they miss us. They don't miss big man."
Jake frowns. "I...I'm afraid they're right. It makes the most sense."
Duncan grumbles. "I don't care for using children as bait to save my own hide." He paces back and forth for a minute, but finally nods. He helps Alexandra to the side, and hands her weapon to Victor, briefly showing him how to fire it. They take positions on either side of the door, and Jake stands behind a low ledge near the doorway, nodding at the girls.
As they step up to the door, Rei mutters, "You know we don't have to both do this. Kinda stupid of you, don't you think?"
"Shut up." Hitomi smiles. "We do this together. Okay?"
Rei nods. Together, they reach out and touch the energy door. It vanishes in an instant, and three greys, two creatures hovering in the air, and a huge, bulky creature in red armor, turn their heads, then their weapons. Rei and Hitomi drop to their knees as Duncan, Victor, and Jake unload into the room. In a flurry of gun fire, the grey's and one of the floaters drop before they get a shot off, and the second floater falls after only firing twice, both shots going wide over the girls' heads. Duncan raises his hand and the firing stops. The group wait, silent and still, for the dust to settle.
With a mighty roar, the large creature runs out, wounded but very much alive. The wide eyed girls look up at the creature, too petrified to move as it lifts it arms to strike them. As it's arms come down for the killing blow, Frank runs forward, and stabs it in the hand. Bellowing in pain, it backhands Frank. As it attempts to pull the small knife out with it's massive fingers, Jake leaps onto it's back, points the weapon at it's head, and blows a hole into it.
The group gather around Frank, who slowly sits up with a grown, rubbing his arm. "I'm fine, I'm fine, I..." He looks around at their curious stares. "What are you all staring at? What, just because you think I'm an 'asshole', and you might be right, you automatically assume I'd just let two kids die if I can do something about it."
Duncan smiles, and helps Frank to his feet. "Maybe, but you've proven us wrong. Good job." He glances into the room the aliens were in. "Come on. We can rest in there."
The group file into the room, dragging the big alien in with them, and Jake fiddles with the door until he closes it. After taking a few minutes to thank Frank for his heroics, the two girls walk over to Jake. As soon as he sees them approaching, he nods for them to follow him into a side room, dimly lit by the soft glow of three green, humming lights in the back. Once there, he asks, "What's wrong, you two?"
Hitomi shakes her head. "I...what do you..."
Jake raises his hand to quite her. "Something is wrong. I've noticed you glancing at me for the past hour. I commend you for holding your tongue until now, but I think if you have something to ask me, now is..."
"Where's Sora?!" Hitomi blurts out.
Rei places a hand on Hitomi's shoulder. "Stop, Hitomi, we don't even know if we have the same Jake."
Jake droops his head. "You, um...you do. I thought you two might have been her friends, but I was afraid to say anything. I was afraid to...to face you."
The color drains from Rei's face. "Does...d-does that mean she...she..." The girls eyes start to water.
Jake steps forward and says sternly, "No! I didn't say that! The last time I saw her, she was fine, and if they took me alive, then she might be alive too."
The pair calm down a bit. Hitomi asks, "Then why were you afraid to say anything?"
Jake sighs and sits against one of the walls. "Because I saw you at her house all the time. Because I'd heard how close you three were. Practically sisters, if not closer. How could I face you, knowing I...I failed to protect her? I failed her, I failed her parents, I failed my par..." Anguish washes over his face. "My...parents...my brother...I...couldn't, I.." Jake falls silent, placing his head in his hands, the weight of their plight hitting him full-force for the first time.
The girls walk in front of him. Searching for something to say, but finding nothing, they take a seat by either of his sides, and place their heads on his shoulders. The trio sit in silence for a moment, before Hitomi says, "Thank you."
"For what?" Jake asks, not lifting his head.
"For protecting us. All of us." She gives him a reassuring smile.
Jake shakes his head. "What are you talking about, I didn't..."
"Of course you did!" Rei nudges his shoulder. "You released us when you could have tried to escape by yourself. You defended me when Frank was being a jerk. You saved Alexandra and Duncan from those things, and you stayed strong for all our sakes even after you found out...what they did to you."
Hitomi nods. "Yeah, you should have seen the people on the train we were on. Pushing and fighting each other to escape the chaos, nearly trampling the two of us. When those things got a hold of us, we saw several people hiding that could have easily snuck up on our captors, no problem, but they couldn't be bothered."
Jake lifts his head, and looks into the two's encouraging eyes. He smiles and nods. As the three stand up, Alice pokes her head into the room. "You guys okay? Duncan thinks we should get ready to move out."
"Yeah, Alice." Jake pats the girls on their shoulders. "I just needed some help from our two little strategists here."
"Well, why are you sitting in the dark? Afraid hitting a light switch would blow the room up or something?" Alice examines the wall for a few seconds before pressing a large, round button. The room lights up, and the group examines their surroundings. The color again fades from the faces of the two girls, and Jake stares, dumbfounded. "Dear.....God....." Alice mutters, and wraps her arms around her waist, suddenly feeling incredibly sick.
After an hour and a half, they approach a large barrier made out of energy. Jake looks it over, thinking out loud, "Now what do you suppose this is?"
Stepping to his side, Duncan says, "Maybe it's a door. Question is, can we open it, and can we do so slowly and quietly."
Jake takes a look at a nearby monitor. "Um...it looks like yes to the first, but I'm not so sure about the second. I think we can just touch it, but it'll probably open completely.
"And without knowing what's on the other side..." Duncan grumbles in frustration.
"Should we turn back?" Frank asks. "Maybe we can try that other door."
"And lose all the progress we made?" Alice looks down at the girls. "And besides, these two look tired."
"I am hating to admit this, but I am not feeling so good either." Alexandra sits on a ledge, lightly grasping her side.
"One of us will have to open it while the others take aim." Duncan stands in front of the door. "Everyone stand to the sides. I'll..."
"I'll do it!" Rei steps forward.
"She means 'we'll' do it." Hitomi grasps her hand.
"Like hell you will!" Duncan reaches forward to push the girls aside.
Rei slaps his hand away. Struggling with her English, she says, "You are too big. We are little...um, small...smaller. We open door, there things that shoot, they miss us. They don't miss big man."
Jake frowns. "I...I'm afraid they're right. It makes the most sense."
Duncan grumbles. "I don't care for using children as bait to save my own hide." He paces back and forth for a minute, but finally nods. He helps Alexandra to the side, and hands her weapon to Victor, briefly showing him how to fire it. They take positions on either side of the door, and Jake stands behind a low ledge near the doorway, nodding at the girls.
As they step up to the door, Rei mutters, "You know we don't have to both do this. Kinda stupid of you, don't you think?"
"Shut up." Hitomi smiles. "We do this together. Okay?"
Rei nods. Together, they reach out and touch the energy door. It vanishes in an instant, and three greys, two creatures hovering in the air, and a huge, bulky creature in red armor, turn their heads, then their weapons. Rei and Hitomi drop to their knees as Duncan, Victor, and Jake unload into the room. In a flurry of gun fire, the grey's and one of the floaters drop before they get a shot off, and the second floater falls after only firing twice, both shots going wide over the girls' heads. Duncan raises his hand and the firing stops. The group wait, silent and still, for the dust to settle.
With a mighty roar, the large creature runs out, wounded but very much alive. The wide eyed girls look up at the creature, too petrified to move as it lifts it arms to strike them. As it's arms come down for the killing blow, Frank runs forward, and stabs it in the hand. Bellowing in pain, it backhands Frank. As it attempts to pull the small knife out with it's massive fingers, Jake leaps onto it's back, points the weapon at it's head, and blows a hole into it.
The group gather around Frank, who slowly sits up with a grown, rubbing his arm. "I'm fine, I'm fine, I..." He looks around at their curious stares. "What are you all staring at? What, just because you think I'm an 'asshole', and you might be right, you automatically assume I'd just let two kids die if I can do something about it."
Duncan smiles, and helps Frank to his feet. "Maybe, but you've proven us wrong. Good job." He glances into the room the aliens were in. "Come on. We can rest in there."
The group file into the room, dragging the big alien in with them, and Jake fiddles with the door until he closes it. After taking a few minutes to thank Frank for his heroics, the two girls walk over to Jake. As soon as he sees them approaching, he nods for them to follow him into a side room, dimly lit by the soft glow of three green, humming lights in the back. Once there, he asks, "What's wrong, you two?"
Hitomi shakes her head. "I...what do you..."
Jake raises his hand to quite her. "Something is wrong. I've noticed you glancing at me for the past hour. I commend you for holding your tongue until now, but I think if you have something to ask me, now is..."
"Where's Sora?!" Hitomi blurts out.
Rei places a hand on Hitomi's shoulder. "Stop, Hitomi, we don't even know if we have the same Jake."
Jake droops his head. "You, um...you do. I thought you two might have been her friends, but I was afraid to say anything. I was afraid to...to face you."
The color drains from Rei's face. "Does...d-does that mean she...she..." The girls eyes start to water.
Jake steps forward and says sternly, "No! I didn't say that! The last time I saw her, she was fine, and if they took me alive, then she might be alive too."
The pair calm down a bit. Hitomi asks, "Then why were you afraid to say anything?"
Jake sighs and sits against one of the walls. "Because I saw you at her house all the time. Because I'd heard how close you three were. Practically sisters, if not closer. How could I face you, knowing I...I failed to protect her? I failed her, I failed her parents, I failed my par..." Anguish washes over his face. "My...parents...my brother...I...couldn't, I.." Jake falls silent, placing his head in his hands, the weight of their plight hitting him full-force for the first time.
The girls walk in front of him. Searching for something to say, but finding nothing, they take a seat by either of his sides, and place their heads on his shoulders. The trio sit in silence for a moment, before Hitomi says, "Thank you."
"For what?" Jake asks, not lifting his head.
"For protecting us. All of us." She gives him a reassuring smile.
Jake shakes his head. "What are you talking about, I didn't..."
"Of course you did!" Rei nudges his shoulder. "You released us when you could have tried to escape by yourself. You defended me when Frank was being a jerk. You saved Alexandra and Duncan from those things, and you stayed strong for all our sakes even after you found out...what they did to you."
Hitomi nods. "Yeah, you should have seen the people on the train we were on. Pushing and fighting each other to escape the chaos, nearly trampling the two of us. When those things got a hold of us, we saw several people hiding that could have easily snuck up on our captors, no problem, but they couldn't be bothered."
Jake lifts his head, and looks into the two's encouraging eyes. He smiles and nods. As the three stand up, Alice pokes her head into the room. "You guys okay? Duncan thinks we should get ready to move out."
"Yeah, Alice." Jake pats the girls on their shoulders. "I just needed some help from our two little strategists here."
"Well, why are you sitting in the dark? Afraid hitting a light switch would blow the room up or something?" Alice examines the wall for a few seconds before pressing a large, round button. The room lights up, and the group examines their surroundings. The color again fades from the faces of the two girls, and Jake stares, dumbfounded. "Dear.....God....." Alice mutters, and wraps her arms around her waist, suddenly feeling incredibly sick.
Last edited:
Voices in my Head: Part Four
The room lights up, and the group examines their surroundings. The color again fades from the faces of the two girls, and Jake stares, dumbfounded. "Dear.....God....." Alice mutters, and wraps her arms around her waist, suddenly feeling incredibly sick.
Before them sit three examination tables, the source of the green lights that had illuminated the room before. Each has someone laying motionless on them, a young man on the first, a middle aged man on the second, a girl in her early teens on the third. As Alice slowly approaches them, all her instincts insisting she run, but a morbid curiousity compelling her forward, she is for the first time grateful for her near empty stomach.
The three bodies lay bare, in more ways then one. Each is split open from chest to hips, their inner cavities open. Alice and Jake walk in between the two men. The first is completely hollow, save for a bare ribcage, while the second is missing his digestive system. "He...he's still alive," Alice says as she stares at the man's heart, beating incredibly slow, as though in slow motion.
"So is this one." Jake looks at a monitor by the first body.
"How is that possible?" She looks in disbelief at the man's empty torso.
"Something to do with this energy field, I guess." Jake's eye twitches in anger as he adds, "Probably to keep the organs they haven't removed yet fresh."
"This is barbaric," Duncan says, having walked in with the others a moment before. "What is the point?"
"Does this matter?" Alexandra looks back at the dead creatures in the other room with disgust. "To harvest, to study, to eat, it is all the same. They are monsters, and we are prey."
"Maybe we should pull the plug," Frank says. "Put these people out of their misery."
Jake shakes his head. "Far as I can tell, they're in no pain. Who knows how long they have. I say let them keep what little time they have left."
"Then let's get out of here before I lose my cool." Duncan turns to leave, and the others follow.
As Alice reaches the doorway, she turns and notices the girls still standing by the third body. Rushing over to them, she says, "Come on, you two, this is the last thing you need to see right now." The girls stay where they are. Figuring they didn't understand her, she kneels down next to them to try again.
Alice is taken aback by their ghostly white faces and wide, petrified eyes. As tears fall from their eyes one after another, Alice cries out, "Jake! You better come here!"
Jake runs back in. "What's wrong?"
"I don't know. They look like they've seen a ghost." Alice talks slowly and softly to the girls. "I know this is scary, and I'm sorry you had to see this, but I promise you, we'll protect you." The girls continue to stand in silence. Frustrated, she says, "Say something to them, Jake, I can't speak..." Seeing the same ghastly expression on Jake, she asks, "What's wrong?"
Jake swallows slowly, then darts over to the monitor, frantically typing, his fingers flying across the screen. He mutters to himself unintelligibly. Rei and Hitomi start to sob, and Jake says, "Come on. How do I fix this?"
"What is he doing?" Frank asks, walking back in with the others.
"I, um..." Alice looks back and forth between Jake and the girls. "I think they know this girl."
"And?" Addressing Jake, Frank says, "I'm sorry for your loss, but she's gone, and we need to leave before..."
"She's NOT gone," Jake shouts, stopping only long enough to send a cold look at Frank before going back to the computer.
"He means there isn't anything you can do for her." Alice places a gentle hand on Jake's shoulder. "Who is she?"
"She, um...she's my neighbor." Jake shakes his head. "Well, was my...she's also important to..." He nods his head towards the two sobbing girls.
Trying to choose her words carefully, Alice says, "Jake...honey, I'm sorry. I know you want to help her, but we don't even know if she's...all here."
"She is." Jake points to the screen, but remembering the others can't read it, goes back to typing on it. "According to this, she was prepped for harvesting, but they'd only had time to...t-to open her up. They must have been interrupted by whatever is going on before they could go any further."
"Look, Jake." Frank steps forward, a serious look on his face. "If nobody here wants to tell you the difficult truth, and I have to play Devil's Advocate, then so be it. It's really noble of you to try to save their friend. You're a better man then me. But how sure are you that you're reading this stuff right? And even if you are, that doesn't mean you'll be able to interpret it, and even if you do, how long will it take to fix her, assuming you even can."
Duncan looks down at the girls. "He's right, I'm afraid. Sometimes you have to make the tough choices, the one's that hurt now, but are the right ones for later. These girls won't do that. They can't. And they won't leave without you. So you have to make it for them."
Jake shakes his head feverously. "No. If it bothers you so much, then leave, and take them with you. Kicking and screaming if need be. But I'm not going anywhere when I can do something, no matter how remote the chance."
Alice grabs Jake's wrist. "Jake! Stop this! All you're doing is..."
"What if it was Peter!?"
Alice's eye's widen. She releases Jake's wrist. "What?"
"What if it was your brother, Peter?" Jake turns to Frank. "Or Charlie?" He turns to Duncan. "Or Phoebe? Try a little empathy. Would you be asking me to leave them if they were the one's laying here?"
"How do you know my brother's name?" Alice asks. "How do you even know I have a brother?"
Jake's eyes dart back and forth in confusion. He returns his attention to the computer. "I...I-I don't know. I'm sorry. I don't know a lot of things that I know, if that makes any sense. All I know is, if there's anything I can do..."
"Then you need to try, right?" Alice gives Jake a nervous smile. He gives a nod of gratitude, and Alice runs out of the room, returning with one of the alien weapons. "It doesn't look like we can convince him, and I'm not going to leave him here defenseless."
Duncan and Frank exchange a look. They shrug, and Duncan says, "We'll go watch the doors. Make it as quick as you can."
The room lights up, and the group examines their surroundings. The color again fades from the faces of the two girls, and Jake stares, dumbfounded. "Dear.....God....." Alice mutters, and wraps her arms around her waist, suddenly feeling incredibly sick.
Before them sit three examination tables, the source of the green lights that had illuminated the room before. Each has someone laying motionless on them, a young man on the first, a middle aged man on the second, a girl in her early teens on the third. As Alice slowly approaches them, all her instincts insisting she run, but a morbid curiousity compelling her forward, she is for the first time grateful for her near empty stomach.
The three bodies lay bare, in more ways then one. Each is split open from chest to hips, their inner cavities open. Alice and Jake walk in between the two men. The first is completely hollow, save for a bare ribcage, while the second is missing his digestive system. "He...he's still alive," Alice says as she stares at the man's heart, beating incredibly slow, as though in slow motion.
"So is this one." Jake looks at a monitor by the first body.
"How is that possible?" She looks in disbelief at the man's empty torso.
"Something to do with this energy field, I guess." Jake's eye twitches in anger as he adds, "Probably to keep the organs they haven't removed yet fresh."
"This is barbaric," Duncan says, having walked in with the others a moment before. "What is the point?"
"Does this matter?" Alexandra looks back at the dead creatures in the other room with disgust. "To harvest, to study, to eat, it is all the same. They are monsters, and we are prey."
"Maybe we should pull the plug," Frank says. "Put these people out of their misery."
Jake shakes his head. "Far as I can tell, they're in no pain. Who knows how long they have. I say let them keep what little time they have left."
"Then let's get out of here before I lose my cool." Duncan turns to leave, and the others follow.
As Alice reaches the doorway, she turns and notices the girls still standing by the third body. Rushing over to them, she says, "Come on, you two, this is the last thing you need to see right now." The girls stay where they are. Figuring they didn't understand her, she kneels down next to them to try again.
Alice is taken aback by their ghostly white faces and wide, petrified eyes. As tears fall from their eyes one after another, Alice cries out, "Jake! You better come here!"
Jake runs back in. "What's wrong?"
"I don't know. They look like they've seen a ghost." Alice talks slowly and softly to the girls. "I know this is scary, and I'm sorry you had to see this, but I promise you, we'll protect you." The girls continue to stand in silence. Frustrated, she says, "Say something to them, Jake, I can't speak..." Seeing the same ghastly expression on Jake, she asks, "What's wrong?"
Jake swallows slowly, then darts over to the monitor, frantically typing, his fingers flying across the screen. He mutters to himself unintelligibly. Rei and Hitomi start to sob, and Jake says, "Come on. How do I fix this?"
"What is he doing?" Frank asks, walking back in with the others.
"I, um..." Alice looks back and forth between Jake and the girls. "I think they know this girl."
"And?" Addressing Jake, Frank says, "I'm sorry for your loss, but she's gone, and we need to leave before..."
"She's NOT gone," Jake shouts, stopping only long enough to send a cold look at Frank before going back to the computer.
"He means there isn't anything you can do for her." Alice places a gentle hand on Jake's shoulder. "Who is she?"
"She, um...she's my neighbor." Jake shakes his head. "Well, was my...she's also important to..." He nods his head towards the two sobbing girls.
Trying to choose her words carefully, Alice says, "Jake...honey, I'm sorry. I know you want to help her, but we don't even know if she's...all here."
"She is." Jake points to the screen, but remembering the others can't read it, goes back to typing on it. "According to this, she was prepped for harvesting, but they'd only had time to...t-to open her up. They must have been interrupted by whatever is going on before they could go any further."
"Look, Jake." Frank steps forward, a serious look on his face. "If nobody here wants to tell you the difficult truth, and I have to play Devil's Advocate, then so be it. It's really noble of you to try to save their friend. You're a better man then me. But how sure are you that you're reading this stuff right? And even if you are, that doesn't mean you'll be able to interpret it, and even if you do, how long will it take to fix her, assuming you even can."
Duncan looks down at the girls. "He's right, I'm afraid. Sometimes you have to make the tough choices, the one's that hurt now, but are the right ones for later. These girls won't do that. They can't. And they won't leave without you. So you have to make it for them."
Jake shakes his head feverously. "No. If it bothers you so much, then leave, and take them with you. Kicking and screaming if need be. But I'm not going anywhere when I can do something, no matter how remote the chance."
Alice grabs Jake's wrist. "Jake! Stop this! All you're doing is..."
"What if it was Peter!?"
Alice's eye's widen. She releases Jake's wrist. "What?"
"What if it was your brother, Peter?" Jake turns to Frank. "Or Charlie?" He turns to Duncan. "Or Phoebe? Try a little empathy. Would you be asking me to leave them if they were the one's laying here?"
"How do you know my brother's name?" Alice asks. "How do you even know I have a brother?"
Jake's eyes dart back and forth in confusion. He returns his attention to the computer. "I...I-I don't know. I'm sorry. I don't know a lot of things that I know, if that makes any sense. All I know is, if there's anything I can do..."
"Then you need to try, right?" Alice gives Jake a nervous smile. He gives a nod of gratitude, and Alice runs out of the room, returning with one of the alien weapons. "It doesn't look like we can convince him, and I'm not going to leave him here defenseless."
Duncan and Frank exchange a look. They shrug, and Duncan says, "We'll go watch the doors. Make it as quick as you can."
Last edited:
Voices in my Head: Part 4.5
After a few minutes, the machine comes to life. A half dozen mechanical arms get to work, pushing Sora's bisected torso together. Glancing over Jake's shoulder, Alexandra says, "This is very impressive. For one so young, you are quite the skilled doctor."
"Doctor? No." Jake's finger's dance across the screen. "But I was practically born with a computer in my hands. Granted, I couldn't get into this computer if I couldn't somehow read this weird language, but that not being an issue for whatever reason, everything is automated. I child who could read the language could figure out how to operate it."
"Then it is good thing we have you, my child?" Alexandra smiles, and Jake gives her dirty look. "What? I can not be funny person too?"
As a device spreads a viscous, purple liquid over Sora's torso, and a laser slowly traces the wound, the girl's watch with anticipation, the color having returned to their faces, a hopeful look in their puffy, still-tearful eyes. In a low tone, Alice asks Jake, "Is it okay for them to get their hopes up? How sure are you that this will work?"
"Um." Jake thinks for a moment. "Sure enough to try, but beyond that..." He gives her a nervous look. "Listen Alice, about what I said...you know, about your brother. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have used him, or anyone else's loved ones, to manipulate everyone."
Alice smiles. "It's okay. You were right. I was just surprised, is all. How did you know about him?"
"Like I said, I'm not sure." Jake scratches the back of his head. "I just have this information, and I don't know where it came from. Sometimes it's just there, but sometimes, I feel like someone is telling me it. Like a voice hidden in the shadows."
"We've got trouble." Duncan runs into the room. "Something is trying to open the door. Whatever lock you set up on it is keeping them out, put I'm sure it's only a matter of time until they figure out how to unlock it, or they..." The door explodes in a flurry of fire and sparks. Everyone takes cover behind tables and on either side of the doorway. The creatures can be heard scuffling in the other room. Looking around, Duncan asks, "Where's Victor?"
A moment later, Victor walks into the room, slowly and mechanically. On the right of the doorway, Frank raises an eyebrow. "Victor! What are you doing? How did they not see you? Get down." Victor swirls around, and stares at Frank, a light purple glow in his eyes. A moment later, a hail of green energy blasts punch through the wall behind Frank, Frank himself, and Victor.
Duncan and Jake quickly grab their fallen comrades and drag them to the back. Duncan and Alexandra take positions near the door and start firing. Jake examines Victor, but shakes his head in defeat. Alice looks over Frank. "Oh God, Frank, I...I don't know if I can stop the bleeding."
"Shit." Frank coughs roughly, spraying blood. "D-don't...waste your...time. I'm finished."
Jake gives Frank a look of one lost. "I'm sorry, Frank. This is all my..."
"Bull...shit." Frank weakly lifts his hand, pointing his finger at Jake. "No guilt, understand. Charlie...my son, I never did a thing for him. I was too busy with work. And he never asked for anything, except once." Jake moves to interrupt him, but Alice shakes her head, and nods for Frank to continue. "All he ever wanted was my approval of the girl he loved...a delicate thing from poor side of town. But I didn't even give her a chance, just because she was poor. I threw her out, and my son followed without hesitation. That was two days before the aliens attacked." After another fit of coughing, he places a bloody hand on Jake's shoulder. "I failed him. If giving my life, the life of an old fool, is in exchange for saving the life...l-life of an innocent child, then...then I'm...I....."
Frank's arm slumps to the ground. Alice closes his eyes. She takes a deep breath, and takes the weapon from Frank's side. Patting Jake on the shoulder, she hands him the weapon, and the two turn to join the others. At the sight of the seven creatures pointing their weapon at their colleges, they drop their guns and raise their hands.
After a few minutes, the machine comes to life. A half dozen mechanical arms get to work, pushing Sora's bisected torso together. Glancing over Jake's shoulder, Alexandra says, "This is very impressive. For one so young, you are quite the skilled doctor."
"Doctor? No." Jake's finger's dance across the screen. "But I was practically born with a computer in my hands. Granted, I couldn't get into this computer if I couldn't somehow read this weird language, but that not being an issue for whatever reason, everything is automated. I child who could read the language could figure out how to operate it."
"Then it is good thing we have you, my child?" Alexandra smiles, and Jake gives her dirty look. "What? I can not be funny person too?"
As a device spreads a viscous, purple liquid over Sora's torso, and a laser slowly traces the wound, the girl's watch with anticipation, the color having returned to their faces, a hopeful look in their puffy, still-tearful eyes. In a low tone, Alice asks Jake, "Is it okay for them to get their hopes up? How sure are you that this will work?"
"Um." Jake thinks for a moment. "Sure enough to try, but beyond that..." He gives her a nervous look. "Listen Alice, about what I said...you know, about your brother. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have used him, or anyone else's loved ones, to manipulate everyone."
Alice smiles. "It's okay. You were right. I was just surprised, is all. How did you know about him?"
"Like I said, I'm not sure." Jake scratches the back of his head. "I just have this information, and I don't know where it came from. Sometimes it's just there, but sometimes, I feel like someone is telling me it. Like a voice hidden in the shadows."
"We've got trouble." Duncan runs into the room. "Something is trying to open the door. Whatever lock you set up on it is keeping them out, put I'm sure it's only a matter of time until they figure out how to unlock it, or they..." The door explodes in a flurry of fire and sparks. Everyone takes cover behind tables and on either side of the doorway. The creatures can be heard scuffling in the other room. Looking around, Duncan asks, "Where's Victor?"
A moment later, Victor walks into the room, slowly and mechanically. On the right of the doorway, Frank raises an eyebrow. "Victor! What are you doing? How did they not see you? Get down." Victor swirls around, and stares at Frank, a light purple glow in his eyes. A moment later, a hail of green energy blasts punch through the wall behind Frank, Frank himself, and Victor.
Duncan and Jake quickly grab their fallen comrades and drag them to the back. Duncan and Alexandra take positions near the door and start firing. Jake examines Victor, but shakes his head in defeat. Alice looks over Frank. "Oh God, Frank, I...I don't know if I can stop the bleeding."
"Shit." Frank coughs roughly, spraying blood. "D-don't...waste your...time. I'm finished."
Jake gives Frank a look of one lost. "I'm sorry, Frank. This is all my..."
"Bull...shit." Frank weakly lifts his hand, pointing his finger at Jake. "No guilt, understand. Charlie...my son, I never did a thing for him. I was too busy with work. And he never asked for anything, except once." Jake moves to interrupt him, but Alice shakes her head, and nods for Frank to continue. "All he ever wanted was my approval of the girl he loved...a delicate thing from poor side of town. But I didn't even give her a chance, just because she was poor. I threw her out, and my son followed without hesitation. That was two days before the aliens attacked." After another fit of coughing, he places a bloody hand on Jake's shoulder. "I failed him. If giving my life, the life of an old fool, is in exchange for saving the life...l-life of an innocent child, then...then I'm...I....."
Frank's arm slumps to the ground. Alice closes his eyes. She takes a deep breath, and takes the weapon from Frank's side. Patting Jake on the shoulder, she hands him the weapon, and the two turn to join the others. At the sight of the seven creatures pointing their weapon at their colleges, they drop their guns and raise their hands.
Last edited:
Voices in my Head: Part Five
[Why would they lock it?]
"Use some common sense, four." Noah rolls his eyes, an action he's grown to enjoy using, particularly with his more incompetent associates. "They didn't. It's the intruders." He types on the computer, and pulls up the holographic security displays. "Hm...unless the human's have become lax on their uniforms, these are likely escaped subjects. You would think our equipment would be able to contain a few, unarmed humans during a simple attack."
[Um, sir...why are you talking to yourself?]
"You'd be surprised at the odd traits I was expected to develop to aid my infiltration. I assure you, twelve, it is one trait I look forward to dropping when we are finished here." He turns to the Muton behind him. "Open it. Your way."
The Muton laughs deeply. As the rest of the group take cover, it sticks a grenade to either side of the doorway. It joins the others, and presses the detonator on the computer in it's arm's armor.
As the smoke starts to clear, the Mutons leads the charge into the room, Noah casually taking the rear. He looks down at the bodies of several Sectoids, Floaters, and a Berserker. "Hmph. Such a waste." Using hand signals, he orders the three Sectoids to check the east side of the room, and the Berserker and two Mutons to investigate the west side. As they do so, Noah hears a noise coming from a nearby table.
Noah leaps up to ceiling, and quickly makes his way over to the table. He quietly lowers himself on to it, and slowly peaks down. Finding a human cowering, he smiles, and uses his rifle to poke the human in the back. It jumps out, and runs straight into the arms of one of the Mutons. As it wraps it's hands around the humans head, Noah shouts, "Wait! Do you have no concept of tactics beyond 'kill everything'." He points into the adjoining room. "Kill it, and you're the one who searches in there. Alone." With a disappointed grunt, the Muton drops the human. Turning to the Sectoids, Noah says, "Three, would you kindly ask our friend here to give us a little peak in there."
[With pleasure, sir.] One of the Sectiods steps forward, and purple tendrils of energy stretch from it into the human's head. In total control, it walks the human into the room. After a few moments, it points to the wall to the left of the doorway. [There is one there.] Before Noah can say anything to the contrary, the Muton's lift their weapons and pummel the wall.
As fire is returned from the back room, Noah takes cover. "Stupid behemoths, never thinking ahead." Raising his voice, he asks, "Three, how many of them are armed? Where are they positioned?"
[I do not know, sir. The human I was controlling was destroyed.]
Again rolling his eyes, Noah dashes forward, coming to rest on the right side of the doorway. Realizing the human's are firing erratically and without discipline, he motions for the others to join him near the door. Then, when the firing momentarily stops, they rush into the room, and caught with their weapons either empty or overheating, the humans give up without a fight.
Noah slowly scans the room, noting everywhere more humans might be hiding. Satisfied they are all where he can see them, he looks down at the two dead humans in the back. "Such a waste of perfectly good resources. But unavoidable, at least with the company I am forced to keep."
"So," the largest of the humans says, "you can talk."
"Indeed I can. And you have a penchant for stating the obvious, a common human trait." Noah smiles. "Oh, but where are my manners. I am afraid you would be unable to pronounce my real name with a human tongue, so you may call me Noah Smith."
"Noah Smith?" The other male thinks for a moment. "Let me guess. You're some kind of spy for the United States, and you were given the most common first and last name in the country."
Noah claps his hands together. "How observant of you. Very impressive. That is what I like about you humans. You might be a bit of an irrational species, somewhat redundant, and more emotion-driven then I care for, but you can be quite brilliant at times. You might be surprised how rare a decent level of intelligence is in the galaxy, even among so called civilized species."
"If you like us so much, way are you doing all this to us?" The fairer of the two female waves her hand over at the examination tables.
"I'm afraid some sacrifices have to be made for a greater good." Noah smiles. "This is why it is usually a bad idea for humans to name their lab animals." Seeing he struck a nerve with his last comment, Noah's smile widens. "Now, what to do with you. Your escape is impressive, and I look forward to reviewing the security footage, but the fact of the matter is, we can't leave you to run around in the middle of...the little problem we're having right now."
The Berserker let's out a roar and steps forward, eager to receive the order to destroy the humans. Craving it. The two smallest humans near one of the examination tables scream in terror. Noah turns to the Berserker and points out of the room, saying, "Did I tell you to frighten our guests? Go patrol or something. Just get out of my sight." The Berserker growls angrily, but follows orders. Looking back at the small ones, he asks, "These are children, yes?"
The younger male shouts, "Yes, they are. Innocent children. And if you harm them in any way..."
"Oh, don't be so dramatic." Noah kneels down next to the children, taking a moment to remember what language they would likely speak based on their appearance. "You two a quite interesting beings. Children, I mean. You see, I know what you are, but my associates here, I'm not so sure. The fact that you are female as well. You see, they've reproduced by cloning for so long, they have no concept of childhood. That big, scary thing I sent out? He was born that way, bulky and full of rage. I'm afraid he is the definition of brawn over brain. Honestly, he is only slightly more easy to control then a Chryssalid. I hope he didn't frighten you."
The child wearing corrective lenses speaks up, saying, "They don't frighten us. Not as much as you."
"Me? Interesting." Noah gives her a look of genuine curiosity. "Elaborate, if you don't mind."
"At...at least we can see that they're monsters." The child gives him the coldest of stares. "You are a monster that hides that it's a monster, at least until it's ready to stab someone in the back. That makes you worse then any of them."
Noah stands up, a big grin on his face. He turns to his companions and says, "Now did you hear that? Finally, someone who appreciates my kind and our potential. I like them. I think I'll keep them as pets." He turns back to the humans. "As for the rest...of...you..." Noah's expression darkens as he notices something he had missed before. Turning back to the Sectoids, he asks, "Four, what is that one doing here?"
One of the Sectoids takes a nervous step back. [I'm sorry sir, but they all look alike to me. You'll have to be more specific.]
Noah angrily walks over to one of the computer's and starts typing on it. After a minute, he smashes his hand against the wall. "Why was it scheduled for harvesting and destruction? Who put it on this list."
[Sir, I believe Two-twenty-two-twenty-one was in charge here. Perhaps he was the one...]
"Wrong! Try again." Noah pulls off his sunglasses and gazes at the Sectoid with reptilian eyes burning with rage. "It has some of the best potential for the cause we have seen in any subject we have found so far, a fact that has been documented. I am not brain-dead enough to believe two, or anyone else here, had the authority to schedule it for harvesting. But I know who does have such authority."
The Sectoid takes another step back. [Please, sir, it is dangerous. It's capacity for psychokinetic growth is immeasurable. It is already as strong as this base's Commander, just from the small amount of stimulus it has received, and if it's growth rate is constant, it could even outmatch the Ethereals. If it ever tapped into that strength, it could easily destroy this base, single-handedly. I was only looking out for...]
"That wasn't your decision to make. As the head of human analysis and research, it was mine. Now let me ask you a question." Noah leans in close, inches away from the Sectoid's face. "Let's say the Ethereals find out about this, and they don't agree with it. Do you think they'd take the time to find out who was directly responsible, or do you think they'd simply dispose of the head of the department for not preventing it? You know...me." The Sectoid looks away. "Did that cross through that bulbous head of yours. Perhaps it did, and was foremost in your mind."
[I...I am sorry, sir. As I said, I was only looking out...]
"Let me ask you a question, my intuitive friend." Noah stands up and turns towards the younger male. "When you look at this...this huge cranium on top of my colleague, what do you think of?"
The male shakes his head. "I...don't know. A large brain? Intelligence?"
"You'd like to think that, wouldn't you!" Noah suddenly shouts. "And while that may have been true at one time, I believe they have received so much genetic manipulation to their brains in an effort to amplify their psionic abilities, most of that intelligence has been lost, and that head leaves a false impression." Noah places a hand gently on the Sectoids shoulder. "Just remember that looks can be deceiving. For example, when you look at my skinny, gangly frame, would you believe I was strong enough to do this?"
Noah wraps his hand tightly around the Sectoids throat. [Please, sir, don't!] With one, fluid flick of the wrist, Noah snaps the Sectoids neck, twisting its head 180 degrees.
[Why would they lock it?]
"Use some common sense, four." Noah rolls his eyes, an action he's grown to enjoy using, particularly with his more incompetent associates. "They didn't. It's the intruders." He types on the computer, and pulls up the holographic security displays. "Hm...unless the human's have become lax on their uniforms, these are likely escaped subjects. You would think our equipment would be able to contain a few, unarmed humans during a simple attack."
[Um, sir...why are you talking to yourself?]
"You'd be surprised at the odd traits I was expected to develop to aid my infiltration. I assure you, twelve, it is one trait I look forward to dropping when we are finished here." He turns to the Muton behind him. "Open it. Your way."
The Muton laughs deeply. As the rest of the group take cover, it sticks a grenade to either side of the doorway. It joins the others, and presses the detonator on the computer in it's arm's armor.
As the smoke starts to clear, the Mutons leads the charge into the room, Noah casually taking the rear. He looks down at the bodies of several Sectoids, Floaters, and a Berserker. "Hmph. Such a waste." Using hand signals, he orders the three Sectoids to check the east side of the room, and the Berserker and two Mutons to investigate the west side. As they do so, Noah hears a noise coming from a nearby table.
Noah leaps up to ceiling, and quickly makes his way over to the table. He quietly lowers himself on to it, and slowly peaks down. Finding a human cowering, he smiles, and uses his rifle to poke the human in the back. It jumps out, and runs straight into the arms of one of the Mutons. As it wraps it's hands around the humans head, Noah shouts, "Wait! Do you have no concept of tactics beyond 'kill everything'." He points into the adjoining room. "Kill it, and you're the one who searches in there. Alone." With a disappointed grunt, the Muton drops the human. Turning to the Sectoids, Noah says, "Three, would you kindly ask our friend here to give us a little peak in there."
[With pleasure, sir.] One of the Sectiods steps forward, and purple tendrils of energy stretch from it into the human's head. In total control, it walks the human into the room. After a few moments, it points to the wall to the left of the doorway. [There is one there.] Before Noah can say anything to the contrary, the Muton's lift their weapons and pummel the wall.
As fire is returned from the back room, Noah takes cover. "Stupid behemoths, never thinking ahead." Raising his voice, he asks, "Three, how many of them are armed? Where are they positioned?"
[I do not know, sir. The human I was controlling was destroyed.]
Again rolling his eyes, Noah dashes forward, coming to rest on the right side of the doorway. Realizing the human's are firing erratically and without discipline, he motions for the others to join him near the door. Then, when the firing momentarily stops, they rush into the room, and caught with their weapons either empty or overheating, the humans give up without a fight.
Noah slowly scans the room, noting everywhere more humans might be hiding. Satisfied they are all where he can see them, he looks down at the two dead humans in the back. "Such a waste of perfectly good resources. But unavoidable, at least with the company I am forced to keep."
"So," the largest of the humans says, "you can talk."
"Indeed I can. And you have a penchant for stating the obvious, a common human trait." Noah smiles. "Oh, but where are my manners. I am afraid you would be unable to pronounce my real name with a human tongue, so you may call me Noah Smith."
"Noah Smith?" The other male thinks for a moment. "Let me guess. You're some kind of spy for the United States, and you were given the most common first and last name in the country."
Noah claps his hands together. "How observant of you. Very impressive. That is what I like about you humans. You might be a bit of an irrational species, somewhat redundant, and more emotion-driven then I care for, but you can be quite brilliant at times. You might be surprised how rare a decent level of intelligence is in the galaxy, even among so called civilized species."
"If you like us so much, way are you doing all this to us?" The fairer of the two female waves her hand over at the examination tables.
"I'm afraid some sacrifices have to be made for a greater good." Noah smiles. "This is why it is usually a bad idea for humans to name their lab animals." Seeing he struck a nerve with his last comment, Noah's smile widens. "Now, what to do with you. Your escape is impressive, and I look forward to reviewing the security footage, but the fact of the matter is, we can't leave you to run around in the middle of...the little problem we're having right now."
The Berserker let's out a roar and steps forward, eager to receive the order to destroy the humans. Craving it. The two smallest humans near one of the examination tables scream in terror. Noah turns to the Berserker and points out of the room, saying, "Did I tell you to frighten our guests? Go patrol or something. Just get out of my sight." The Berserker growls angrily, but follows orders. Looking back at the small ones, he asks, "These are children, yes?"
The younger male shouts, "Yes, they are. Innocent children. And if you harm them in any way..."
"Oh, don't be so dramatic." Noah kneels down next to the children, taking a moment to remember what language they would likely speak based on their appearance. "You two a quite interesting beings. Children, I mean. You see, I know what you are, but my associates here, I'm not so sure. The fact that you are female as well. You see, they've reproduced by cloning for so long, they have no concept of childhood. That big, scary thing I sent out? He was born that way, bulky and full of rage. I'm afraid he is the definition of brawn over brain. Honestly, he is only slightly more easy to control then a Chryssalid. I hope he didn't frighten you."
The child wearing corrective lenses speaks up, saying, "They don't frighten us. Not as much as you."
"Me? Interesting." Noah gives her a look of genuine curiosity. "Elaborate, if you don't mind."
"At...at least we can see that they're monsters." The child gives him the coldest of stares. "You are a monster that hides that it's a monster, at least until it's ready to stab someone in the back. That makes you worse then any of them."
Noah stands up, a big grin on his face. He turns to his companions and says, "Now did you hear that? Finally, someone who appreciates my kind and our potential. I like them. I think I'll keep them as pets." He turns back to the humans. "As for the rest...of...you..." Noah's expression darkens as he notices something he had missed before. Turning back to the Sectoids, he asks, "Four, what is that one doing here?"
One of the Sectoids takes a nervous step back. [I'm sorry sir, but they all look alike to me. You'll have to be more specific.]
Noah angrily walks over to one of the computer's and starts typing on it. After a minute, he smashes his hand against the wall. "Why was it scheduled for harvesting and destruction? Who put it on this list."
[Sir, I believe Two-twenty-two-twenty-one was in charge here. Perhaps he was the one...]
"Wrong! Try again." Noah pulls off his sunglasses and gazes at the Sectoid with reptilian eyes burning with rage. "It has some of the best potential for the cause we have seen in any subject we have found so far, a fact that has been documented. I am not brain-dead enough to believe two, or anyone else here, had the authority to schedule it for harvesting. But I know who does have such authority."
The Sectoid takes another step back. [Please, sir, it is dangerous. It's capacity for psychokinetic growth is immeasurable. It is already as strong as this base's Commander, just from the small amount of stimulus it has received, and if it's growth rate is constant, it could even outmatch the Ethereals. If it ever tapped into that strength, it could easily destroy this base, single-handedly. I was only looking out for...]
"That wasn't your decision to make. As the head of human analysis and research, it was mine. Now let me ask you a question." Noah leans in close, inches away from the Sectoid's face. "Let's say the Ethereals find out about this, and they don't agree with it. Do you think they'd take the time to find out who was directly responsible, or do you think they'd simply dispose of the head of the department for not preventing it? You know...me." The Sectoid looks away. "Did that cross through that bulbous head of yours. Perhaps it did, and was foremost in your mind."
[I...I am sorry, sir. As I said, I was only looking out...]
"Let me ask you a question, my intuitive friend." Noah stands up and turns towards the younger male. "When you look at this...this huge cranium on top of my colleague, what do you think of?"
The male shakes his head. "I...don't know. A large brain? Intelligence?"
"You'd like to think that, wouldn't you!" Noah suddenly shouts. "And while that may have been true at one time, I believe they have received so much genetic manipulation to their brains in an effort to amplify their psionic abilities, most of that intelligence has been lost, and that head leaves a false impression." Noah places a hand gently on the Sectoids shoulder. "Just remember that looks can be deceiving. For example, when you look at my skinny, gangly frame, would you believe I was strong enough to do this?"
Noah wraps his hand tightly around the Sectoids throat. [Please, sir, don't!] With one, fluid flick of the wrist, Noah snaps the Sectoids neck, twisting its head 180 degrees.
Last edited:
Voices in my Head: Part 5.5
"I hate having to get my hands dirty." Noah brushes his hand on his side and turns to the others. "We're done here. Dispose of this one, as well as all of them, except the gifted one and those two. We have other things..." The Berserker runs into the room, bellowing loudly. "What is his problem?"
One of the two remaining Sectoids steps forward. [Sir, he says he hears the infiltrators coming. They are about to break through the door. Should we take up defensive positions?]
Noah sighs. "No. I wash my hands of this annoyance. Set this section of the base to detonate, and bring this fool with us. Where he failed in life, at least he'll make a decent scapegoat in death."
[No.]
"Excuse me?" Noah raises his weapon towards the Sectoid. "Are you defying me?"
[N-no sir! That wasn't me.]
[You won't hurt anymore people. Not like you hurt my friends, my parents, everyone here. No more.]
Noah's eyes widen. "Destroy it!" He turns to the others, but they all clasp their heads in pain. An invisible force floods the room, pushing the humans to the side and Noah's troops into the adjoining room. As Noah tries to stand and get his bearings, he hears howls of pain behind him. Looking back, he sees his forces writhe in pain in a vortex of pure, black energy. With a snarl, he lifts his rifle and turns back towards the humans, and receives the fist of the largest human to his face.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Noah slowly comes around, the pain in his head making everything fuzzy. All around him, he can hear humans moving and speaking.
"Looks like we missed one hellava party here."
"You're gonna be okay. This base is ours."
"Poor souls. Never stood a chance."
"Careful. Don't let the children see them. They've gone through enough."
"How did you do that. It was amazing."
"That's just the thing. It wasn't me."
"Sora, huh? That's a pretty name. Come on, let's get you something before anyone else sees you in your birthday suit."
"Captain, this one is still alive!"
"Yeah, and you have no idea how hard it was not to finish it off."
"Well, it's a good thing you didn't. I know a certain doctor that'll be happy to see it alive. Bag it."
The last thing Noah hears is the crackling of electricity before the world goes dark again.
"I hate having to get my hands dirty." Noah brushes his hand on his side and turns to the others. "We're done here. Dispose of this one, as well as all of them, except the gifted one and those two. We have other things..." The Berserker runs into the room, bellowing loudly. "What is his problem?"
One of the two remaining Sectoids steps forward. [Sir, he says he hears the infiltrators coming. They are about to break through the door. Should we take up defensive positions?]
Noah sighs. "No. I wash my hands of this annoyance. Set this section of the base to detonate, and bring this fool with us. Where he failed in life, at least he'll make a decent scapegoat in death."
[No.]
"Excuse me?" Noah raises his weapon towards the Sectoid. "Are you defying me?"
[N-no sir! That wasn't me.]
[You won't hurt anymore people. Not like you hurt my friends, my parents, everyone here. No more.]
Noah's eyes widen. "Destroy it!" He turns to the others, but they all clasp their heads in pain. An invisible force floods the room, pushing the humans to the side and Noah's troops into the adjoining room. As Noah tries to stand and get his bearings, he hears howls of pain behind him. Looking back, he sees his forces writhe in pain in a vortex of pure, black energy. With a snarl, he lifts his rifle and turns back towards the humans, and receives the fist of the largest human to his face.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Noah slowly comes around, the pain in his head making everything fuzzy. All around him, he can hear humans moving and speaking.
"Looks like we missed one hellava party here."
"You're gonna be okay. This base is ours."
"Poor souls. Never stood a chance."
"Careful. Don't let the children see them. They've gone through enough."
"How did you do that. It was amazing."
"That's just the thing. It wasn't me."
"Sora, huh? That's a pretty name. Come on, let's get you something before anyone else sees you in your birthday suit."
"Captain, this one is still alive!"
"Yeah, and you have no idea how hard it was not to finish it off."
"Well, it's a good thing you didn't. I know a certain doctor that'll be happy to see it alive. Bag it."
The last thing Noah hears is the crackling of electricity before the world goes dark again.
Last edited:
Dahlexpert
Well-Known Member
As inspired by zombiesplitter53 and marineavenger. I've decided to write my own short story, now my storys are short sweet and to the point and I hope you guys like it.
in a apartment complex Eva is training,and is waiting for her mistress to give her orders.
Knock knock, may I come in.
Of course my mistress,and you no you don't have to knock, I mean this is your building.
It's common curdicey for a human to show respect to others,so how is that new body of your working for you Maya.
Ugh mam can you please not call me Maya, she is dead my name is Eva.And as for this new body it's fantastic, I can tun faster i'm stronger and i'm probable the most elite person in human history.
Good, that's good that your enjoying your new body, now how about you use it for a little easement I have for you.
Great, what is it recruitment, assassination what.
Scouting.
Ugh scouting?
yes I need you to go to Washington DC, and go to the pentagon.
The pentagon, that's a little risky isn't. I mean that is the most defended place in the world why would want me to scout out the pentagon.
I'm not asking you to assault the place, just to infiltrate the place.
Is there any part of the building that you want me to infiltrate, I mean there has to be a reason for you to want me to go in there.
yes there is there, according to one of my spy's in London they say that the queen is going to the pentagon. Which is very weird normally the world leader would never go to the pentagon.
All right so how am I going get in there, I mean like I said its the most defended place in the world.
Lüsett ,Gives Eve an Ide of a woman named Violet Alcatraz.
here this woman is in charged of security at the pentagon, your job is to get to the war room, place this camera in a disclose location, and of course not to be discorded. Do you think you can do this job for me.
Of course mam is there any thing else you want me to do once I'm there.
See what the government has on me and bring it back to me, do not kill any one we don't need an incident.
Yes mam.
(So I hope you guys enjoy this please, give me some criticism it help me wright better, and prisma cube please tell me what you think of this.
in a apartment complex Eva is training,and is waiting for her mistress to give her orders.
Knock knock, may I come in.
Of course my mistress,and you no you don't have to knock, I mean this is your building.
It's common curdicey for a human to show respect to others,so how is that new body of your working for you Maya.
Ugh mam can you please not call me Maya, she is dead my name is Eva.And as for this new body it's fantastic, I can tun faster i'm stronger and i'm probable the most elite person in human history.
Good, that's good that your enjoying your new body, now how about you use it for a little easement I have for you.
Great, what is it recruitment, assassination what.
Scouting.
Ugh scouting?
yes I need you to go to Washington DC, and go to the pentagon.
The pentagon, that's a little risky isn't. I mean that is the most defended place in the world why would want me to scout out the pentagon.
I'm not asking you to assault the place, just to infiltrate the place.
Is there any part of the building that you want me to infiltrate, I mean there has to be a reason for you to want me to go in there.
yes there is there, according to one of my spy's in London they say that the queen is going to the pentagon. Which is very weird normally the world leader would never go to the pentagon.
All right so how am I going get in there, I mean like I said its the most defended place in the world.
Lüsett ,Gives Eve an Ide of a woman named Violet Alcatraz.
here this woman is in charged of security at the pentagon, your job is to get to the war room, place this camera in a disclose location, and of course not to be discorded. Do you think you can do this job for me.
Of course mam is there any thing else you want me to do once I'm there.
See what the government has on me and bring it back to me, do not kill any one we don't need an incident.
Yes mam.
(So I hope you guys enjoy this please, give me some criticism it help me wright better, and prisma cube please tell me what you think of this.
Voices in my Head: Part Six
Commander Smith struggles to lift the huge stack of folders and papers without spilling them. He drops them into one of his desk's drawers in a desperate attempt to make his office look tidy before his video-meeting with the Counsel later in the day. The intercom on his desk buzzes, and a woman's voice says, "Sir, there's a Mr. Wiewiora is here to see you. He doesn't have an appointment."
"Wiewiora?" He thinks for a moment, then touches the button on his intercom. "Yes, of course, send him in. I have some time." As the Commander throws a few last moment items into his desk, his guest walks in. "Aw, Mr. Wiewiora, come in. It's Jake, right? Can I call you Jake?"
"Yeah, of course." Jake extends his hand. "And you're the base Commander?"
The Commander gives Jake a hardy shake. "Yes. I'm Commander Joseph Smith, at your service." Jake's eyes dart back and forth. "Is there a problem?"
Jake chuckles. "No, no, I, uh, I just know another Smith, and let's just say, he wasn't the nicest...'person' I've ever met."
The Commander smiles. "I see. Well, it is a common name. Feel free to call me Joseph if your prefer. Or Joe."
Jake scratches his chin nervously. "Wouldn't you prefer Commander?"
The Commander takes a seat behind his desk. "Oh, no need to be so formal. You're not a soldier, after all, you're a guest. How are you being treated?"
Jake sits in the chair in front of the desk. "Good. The civilian quarters are a bit crowded, but that you excepted me and the others when we had no where else to turn, it makes it feel like a five star hotel. About my...young friends."
"Hm?" The Commander thinks for a moment. "Oh, of course. Don't worry about it, it's already been arranged." He leans over his desk. "I hope you appreciate the position it puts me in letting a seventeen year old boy bunk with three fourteen year old girls, even if said girls insist on it. Don't prove me wrong by doing anything...unsavory."
"I understand, sir and I appreciate it...but there was actually somewhere else I'd like to bunk."
The Commander leans back, giving Jake a frank look. "Let me guess. The soldier's barracks, right?"
"So you have seen it?" Jake sits up straight. "Because it was denied. I was hoping you'd reconsider. I think I'm ready. I've seen these things firsthand. I've fought them. I know how they operate. And I'd like the chance to pay them back a hundred fold for everything they've done to me and my friends."
The Commander taps his fingers together for a few moments. "Well...I can see you have the resolve, the spirit, and the courage...but I'm afraid the answer is still no."
"What! Why?" Jake jumps to his feet. "I can fight! I might not have much experience, but that's what training is for."
The Commander shakes his head. "I trust that you can fight, but experience is more important then you seem to believe. X-COM recruits the best of the best from around the world. There are few soldiers here that didn't prove their worth long before coming here. I really don't want to insult you, but if I must be frank, then so be it; there is no place in my army for a seventeen year old boy with zero combat experience."
"Sir, with all due respect, I don't think you can afford to be so picky. I am an able-body man willing to fight, so why not let me fight."
"Because, Jake." The Commander sits up, raising his voice slightly. "I am not in the habit of sending children out to die needlessly. I doubt your family would appreciate it."
"My family is gone!" Jake yells. "Those monsters took them from me!"
"All the more reason to keep you safe," the Commander yells back without missing a beat. "I don't think they'd want me sending you to them before your time. DON'T use me in some senseless act of suicide, because without years of training, you wouldn't last five minutes out there."
Jake paces around the room, frustration teaming from him. "Why can't you understand that you don't have a choice!? Who cares how young I am? As long as I can hold a weapon, I always have a chance, and I might surprise you. How can you be the head of such an important war and not be willing to take a few risks?"
The Commander rocks back and forth in his chair, biting his lip in thought. After a few minutes of thinking, he finally let's out a long sigh. "You're right. I've been told more then once that I need to be more lenient in my recruitment policies. If someone can hold a weapon they should be able to fight. And I did approve your two friends, the big guy and that Romanian woman. Hell, anyone who went through what you went through at that base should be more then qualified for duty, right?"
Jake smiles. "So you except me? I'm in?"
The Commander nods, and reaches for his intercom. "Mina? Send word to the fitters. We have four new recruits coming down there that need uniforms."
"Four?" Jake gives the Commander a curious look.
"The names are..." The Commander shifts through some papers. "Wiewiora, Jake, Takahashi, Rei, Tanaka, Hitomi, and Yoshida, Sora."
"WHAT!" Jake takes a angry step forward. "You can't.."
"The latter three are on the young side, but it wouldn't be the first time we've had a soldier that small. At least they'll save on material." The Commander sits back. "Alright Jake, you're all set. Do you mind picking the girls up on your way down to the fitters?"
Jake slams his fist on the desk. "You're out of your mind! They're just children!'
The Commander looks taken aback. "And? You said it yourself. Age shouldn't matter if you can fight."
"That's different and you know it!"
The Commander stands up. "Different? Those girls have quite the spirit, and they did make it through the same base escape that you did. Damn, this just makes me think of all the potential recruits I lost because I was so blind."
"I...won't...let...you!" Jake practically screams.
The Commander points a stern finger at Jake. "You can give me all the ideas you want, but at the end of the day, I am the Commander. Don't tell me how to do my job!"
Jake reaches across the desk and grabs the Commander by the collar. "I swear, if you so much as think of putting a weapon into one of their hands, I'll..."
Before Jake realizes what had happened, he finds himself face down on the desk, his arm twisted behind his back. Unable to move from the pain, he can only lay there, at the Commander's mercy. "I'll say it again." The Commander tightens his grip. "Don't tell me...how...to do...my job."
The intercom on the desk buzzes. "Um, sir? Do you really want me to send those kids to get fitted?"
The Commander's tone instantly softens. "Jake, do you mind getting that for me?" With his free arm, Jake hits the intercom switch, and the Commander says, "Of course not, Mina, don't be silly. I was just trying to prove a point."
"I see," Mina responds in a tone that says she's dealt with this before. "I hope you've succeeded."
Commander Smith struggles to lift the huge stack of folders and papers without spilling them. He drops them into one of his desk's drawers in a desperate attempt to make his office look tidy before his video-meeting with the Counsel later in the day. The intercom on his desk buzzes, and a woman's voice says, "Sir, there's a Mr. Wiewiora is here to see you. He doesn't have an appointment."
"Wiewiora?" He thinks for a moment, then touches the button on his intercom. "Yes, of course, send him in. I have some time." As the Commander throws a few last moment items into his desk, his guest walks in. "Aw, Mr. Wiewiora, come in. It's Jake, right? Can I call you Jake?"
"Yeah, of course." Jake extends his hand. "And you're the base Commander?"
The Commander gives Jake a hardy shake. "Yes. I'm Commander Joseph Smith, at your service." Jake's eyes dart back and forth. "Is there a problem?"
Jake chuckles. "No, no, I, uh, I just know another Smith, and let's just say, he wasn't the nicest...'person' I've ever met."
The Commander smiles. "I see. Well, it is a common name. Feel free to call me Joseph if your prefer. Or Joe."
Jake scratches his chin nervously. "Wouldn't you prefer Commander?"
The Commander takes a seat behind his desk. "Oh, no need to be so formal. You're not a soldier, after all, you're a guest. How are you being treated?"
Jake sits in the chair in front of the desk. "Good. The civilian quarters are a bit crowded, but that you excepted me and the others when we had no where else to turn, it makes it feel like a five star hotel. About my...young friends."
"Hm?" The Commander thinks for a moment. "Oh, of course. Don't worry about it, it's already been arranged." He leans over his desk. "I hope you appreciate the position it puts me in letting a seventeen year old boy bunk with three fourteen year old girls, even if said girls insist on it. Don't prove me wrong by doing anything...unsavory."
"I understand, sir and I appreciate it...but there was actually somewhere else I'd like to bunk."
The Commander leans back, giving Jake a frank look. "Let me guess. The soldier's barracks, right?"
"So you have seen it?" Jake sits up straight. "Because it was denied. I was hoping you'd reconsider. I think I'm ready. I've seen these things firsthand. I've fought them. I know how they operate. And I'd like the chance to pay them back a hundred fold for everything they've done to me and my friends."
The Commander taps his fingers together for a few moments. "Well...I can see you have the resolve, the spirit, and the courage...but I'm afraid the answer is still no."
"What! Why?" Jake jumps to his feet. "I can fight! I might not have much experience, but that's what training is for."
The Commander shakes his head. "I trust that you can fight, but experience is more important then you seem to believe. X-COM recruits the best of the best from around the world. There are few soldiers here that didn't prove their worth long before coming here. I really don't want to insult you, but if I must be frank, then so be it; there is no place in my army for a seventeen year old boy with zero combat experience."
"Sir, with all due respect, I don't think you can afford to be so picky. I am an able-body man willing to fight, so why not let me fight."
"Because, Jake." The Commander sits up, raising his voice slightly. "I am not in the habit of sending children out to die needlessly. I doubt your family would appreciate it."
"My family is gone!" Jake yells. "Those monsters took them from me!"
"All the more reason to keep you safe," the Commander yells back without missing a beat. "I don't think they'd want me sending you to them before your time. DON'T use me in some senseless act of suicide, because without years of training, you wouldn't last five minutes out there."
Jake paces around the room, frustration teaming from him. "Why can't you understand that you don't have a choice!? Who cares how young I am? As long as I can hold a weapon, I always have a chance, and I might surprise you. How can you be the head of such an important war and not be willing to take a few risks?"
The Commander rocks back and forth in his chair, biting his lip in thought. After a few minutes of thinking, he finally let's out a long sigh. "You're right. I've been told more then once that I need to be more lenient in my recruitment policies. If someone can hold a weapon they should be able to fight. And I did approve your two friends, the big guy and that Romanian woman. Hell, anyone who went through what you went through at that base should be more then qualified for duty, right?"
Jake smiles. "So you except me? I'm in?"
The Commander nods, and reaches for his intercom. "Mina? Send word to the fitters. We have four new recruits coming down there that need uniforms."
"Four?" Jake gives the Commander a curious look.
"The names are..." The Commander shifts through some papers. "Wiewiora, Jake, Takahashi, Rei, Tanaka, Hitomi, and Yoshida, Sora."
"WHAT!" Jake takes a angry step forward. "You can't.."
"The latter three are on the young side, but it wouldn't be the first time we've had a soldier that small. At least they'll save on material." The Commander sits back. "Alright Jake, you're all set. Do you mind picking the girls up on your way down to the fitters?"
Jake slams his fist on the desk. "You're out of your mind! They're just children!'
The Commander looks taken aback. "And? You said it yourself. Age shouldn't matter if you can fight."
"That's different and you know it!"
The Commander stands up. "Different? Those girls have quite the spirit, and they did make it through the same base escape that you did. Damn, this just makes me think of all the potential recruits I lost because I was so blind."
"I...won't...let...you!" Jake practically screams.
The Commander points a stern finger at Jake. "You can give me all the ideas you want, but at the end of the day, I am the Commander. Don't tell me how to do my job!"
Jake reaches across the desk and grabs the Commander by the collar. "I swear, if you so much as think of putting a weapon into one of their hands, I'll..."
Before Jake realizes what had happened, he finds himself face down on the desk, his arm twisted behind his back. Unable to move from the pain, he can only lay there, at the Commander's mercy. "I'll say it again." The Commander tightens his grip. "Don't tell me...how...to do...my job."
The intercom on the desk buzzes. "Um, sir? Do you really want me to send those kids to get fitted?"
The Commander's tone instantly softens. "Jake, do you mind getting that for me?" With his free arm, Jake hits the intercom switch, and the Commander says, "Of course not, Mina, don't be silly. I was just trying to prove a point."
"I see," Mina responds in a tone that says she's dealt with this before. "I hope you've succeeded."
Last edited:
Voices in my Head: Part 6.5
The Commander releases Jake. The two take a seat, and the Commander asks, "So, did I succeed in proving my point?" Jake hesitantly nods, a sullen look on his face. The Commander sighs. "You know, I wasn't kidding about the "me being too lenient" thing. There are those on the Counsel of Nations that would have toddlers out there fighting, and they want me out of the picture. Luckily, there are also a few Counsel members that think I'm doing a halfway decent job, and as long as I have this job, no one will be sent out onto that battlefield unless they're fit to be out there."
Jake let's out a frustrated groan. "So I'm useless. Just another homeless refugee stuck here, contributing nothing."
The Commander shrugs. "Not necessarily." Pulling a small remote from his desk, he points it at the wall to this left. As a wall of monitors lowers into place, the Commander stands up and walks over to them. Looking at the screens displaying the security footage from across the base, he asks, "What do you see, Jake?"
Joining the Commander, Jake answers, "Soldiers, sir. The best and the brightest the world over."
The Commander nods. "Oh yes, I agree. Take Hernandez on the treadmill. Only woman in her recruitment class to reach an officer status, but she rose through the ranks, and not a single man was ever promoted ahead of her when she was considered." He points at the barrack hallway. "Johnson here is one of the greatest snipers of our generation." He points at the cafeteria. "Bryant here is skilled, loyal, and quite the swordsman. A man after my own heart." He points at the workshop. "Stone. Not much experience, but she was recommended by the Russian military directly, and shows great potential."
"As I said, sir, the best and the brightest."
"Indeed. There, pummeling the punching bag. Kasagi, I believe. Quite the skilled fighter, could be one of the best. She's also a hot head, is antagonistic to others, especially men, and the only reason she wasn't discharged for assaulting another officer is because said officer came to her defense."
Jake scratches his chin nervously. "Well, um...they can't all be perfect going in, right. But with a little work..."
"Jamison, in the shooting range. Likes to brag about how he put one of the two dozen notches on his knife's hilt for each person he's gutted with it. Shah. Doesn't even known he's secretly being investigated for drug possession. Romanov. Ex-Spetsnaz turned freelance mercenary. His skill with a rifle is unparalleled, but the people he used that rifle on haven't all been soldiers. Brown. Under probation for assaulting a doctor that came on to her a little too strong, and don't even get me started on said doctor. Van Dam, possible schizophrenic. Let's see, who else do I see? There's another mercenary...an arms smuggler...oh, his was on trial for rape and murder until the charges were dropped right before he was recruited."
Jake stands silently for several moments. "I...I don't know what to say."
The Commander turns to look Jake in the eyes, and smiles. "Don't get the wrong idea. I'd say at least half of soldiers here are the best they can be, and at least another forty percent only need a small push to reach their best. The hothead I mentioned? Word is she's acting as something of an unofficial counselor for a lot of the soldiers, including several she had previously fought with. The guy who had the drugs? If he keeps up this rate of improvement, he'll become one of my best medics. This is an organization developed by bringing together the entire world for the betterment of us all, and that brings out the best in us." The smile fades from his face. "But it only takes a few rotten apples to spoil the bunch. That's where you come in."
"Sure." Jake nods. "I'll do what I can."
The Commander smiles again. He walks over to the intercom. "Mina, can you get Haven for me?"
"Right away, sir."
Turning back to Jake, the Commander says, "How'd you like to do what you seem to do best; protect others."
Jake lets out a nervous chuckle. "I'd hardly say I'm exactly good at protecting anyone. I couldn't protect my family, and despite my best efforts, I lost two people..."
The Commander raises a hand to stop Jake. "What happened to your family is unfortunate, but we both know there was nothing you could do. And I've heard every side of what happened at the alien base from you and the others, and aside from you, everyone thought your actions were exemplary. In their eyes, you didn't lose two people, you saved seven, and I'm inclined to agree with them."
"Sir, Sgt. Haven is here."
"Good, Mina, send him in." The Commander walks over to Jake and places his arm around his shoulder. "You see, Jake, Lt. Marshall is our head of security here. Well, was our head of security. One of our other guest in the civilian quarters caught his eye, but she didn't care much for him, and...well, let's just say you can find him down in the brig if you want to hear his side of the story, but the evidence against him is pretty substantial." A man walks into the room, and the Commander waves his hand towards him. "And so, Jake, I'd like you to meet his replacement."
"Sir?" Haven gives him a curious look.
"Charles Haven, I'm promoting you to the rank of Lieutenant. In addition, you are now Chief of Security. Congratulations."
Trying to hide his enthusiasm in order to stay professional, Haven says, "Thank you sir, I'm honored. Then, um, as my first act in my new position, I'd like to assign Freeman to take over my previous post."
The Commander shakes his head. "I'm sorry, but I'm afraid I can't authorize that."
Confused, Haven asks, "Is it not my job as head of security to assign such positions...sir?"
"It is, and I know that Freeman would be the best choice any other time." The Commander rifles through the papers on his desk until he finds the one he's looking for. "But morale has dropped by 40% in the civilian quarters, and Freeman is under investigation for stealing from those very civilians. I'm afraid putting him in charge of the civilian quarters would only make things worse."
Haven nods. "I...I see what you mean. Do you have any other suggestions." The Commander waves his hand at Jake. Again looking confused, Haven asks, "Him? Who is...isn't he the boy from that base? Sir, please don't misunderstand, I respect and trust your judgement, but he's young, and promoting a new recruit above all those other guards? Not to mention what...whatever they did to his head. I don't think the men would fully trust him. Are you sure you should?"
The Commander slowly walks over to Haven and places his arm around his shoulder. "Haven, my boy, trust is what is important right now. It is why we are here today. It is why you are Chief of Security now. I'm sure you know there are a number of individuals that, based on experience and seniority alone, deserve this position more then you."
"Yes sir, that is true. So why exactly are you promoting me."
The Commander pats Haven on the chest. "Pay attention son, I told you. Trust!" Haven gives him a questioning look, and the Commander elaborates. "You see, I'm getting really tired of assigning "The Best" to all of these positions, only to have them turn around and take advantage of the people they are supposed to look after. There are some great people here, but as I was telling Jake, it only takes a few rotten individuals to ruin everything, especially in such a delicate organization like this one. And even if everyone here was perfect, what if the aliens find the base? Or if some of those Exalt...nut jobs infiltrate our ranks. Or already have. I need people I can trust, and I trust Jake, weird alien implants or not. If I didn't, he wouldn't be in this base, at least not outside a containment cell in the labs. Right now, the only one I trust more then him is...well, you?"
Haven chuckles. "I'm honored sir."
"You'll make a fine Chief, and with your tutelage, Jake will excel in his position as well." The Commander turns to Jake. "If that's okay with you, of course."
Jake nods. "I'll do what I can, sir."
"Good. Don't let me down. Haven, will you see to getting him set up? And don't worry about naysayers. Any you can't convince yourself can answer to me."
"Right away, sir." Haven and Jake head for the door. As they exit, Haven places a head on Jake's shoulder, and asks, "So how did you do that vortex thing at the alien base?"
"Well, that's the thing," Jake answers. "I'm not sure I was the one..." The door closes behind them.
The Commander lets out a sigh of relief. Taking a seat in his chair, he grabs a thermos, takes a drink, and let's out a moan. Reaching for the intercom, he asks, "Mina, do you mind getting me some coffee that doesn't taste like pig slop?
"Yes, sir. I'll see if I can find you some that taste like mud."
The Commander let's out a disappointed groan, and gets back to work cleaning his office.
The Commander releases Jake. The two take a seat, and the Commander asks, "So, did I succeed in proving my point?" Jake hesitantly nods, a sullen look on his face. The Commander sighs. "You know, I wasn't kidding about the "me being too lenient" thing. There are those on the Counsel of Nations that would have toddlers out there fighting, and they want me out of the picture. Luckily, there are also a few Counsel members that think I'm doing a halfway decent job, and as long as I have this job, no one will be sent out onto that battlefield unless they're fit to be out there."
Jake let's out a frustrated groan. "So I'm useless. Just another homeless refugee stuck here, contributing nothing."
The Commander shrugs. "Not necessarily." Pulling a small remote from his desk, he points it at the wall to this left. As a wall of monitors lowers into place, the Commander stands up and walks over to them. Looking at the screens displaying the security footage from across the base, he asks, "What do you see, Jake?"
Joining the Commander, Jake answers, "Soldiers, sir. The best and the brightest the world over."
The Commander nods. "Oh yes, I agree. Take Hernandez on the treadmill. Only woman in her recruitment class to reach an officer status, but she rose through the ranks, and not a single man was ever promoted ahead of her when she was considered." He points at the barrack hallway. "Johnson here is one of the greatest snipers of our generation." He points at the cafeteria. "Bryant here is skilled, loyal, and quite the swordsman. A man after my own heart." He points at the workshop. "Stone. Not much experience, but she was recommended by the Russian military directly, and shows great potential."
"As I said, sir, the best and the brightest."
"Indeed. There, pummeling the punching bag. Kasagi, I believe. Quite the skilled fighter, could be one of the best. She's also a hot head, is antagonistic to others, especially men, and the only reason she wasn't discharged for assaulting another officer is because said officer came to her defense."
Jake scratches his chin nervously. "Well, um...they can't all be perfect going in, right. But with a little work..."
"Jamison, in the shooting range. Likes to brag about how he put one of the two dozen notches on his knife's hilt for each person he's gutted with it. Shah. Doesn't even known he's secretly being investigated for drug possession. Romanov. Ex-Spetsnaz turned freelance mercenary. His skill with a rifle is unparalleled, but the people he used that rifle on haven't all been soldiers. Brown. Under probation for assaulting a doctor that came on to her a little too strong, and don't even get me started on said doctor. Van Dam, possible schizophrenic. Let's see, who else do I see? There's another mercenary...an arms smuggler...oh, his was on trial for rape and murder until the charges were dropped right before he was recruited."
Jake stands silently for several moments. "I...I don't know what to say."
The Commander turns to look Jake in the eyes, and smiles. "Don't get the wrong idea. I'd say at least half of soldiers here are the best they can be, and at least another forty percent only need a small push to reach their best. The hothead I mentioned? Word is she's acting as something of an unofficial counselor for a lot of the soldiers, including several she had previously fought with. The guy who had the drugs? If he keeps up this rate of improvement, he'll become one of my best medics. This is an organization developed by bringing together the entire world for the betterment of us all, and that brings out the best in us." The smile fades from his face. "But it only takes a few rotten apples to spoil the bunch. That's where you come in."
"Sure." Jake nods. "I'll do what I can."
The Commander smiles again. He walks over to the intercom. "Mina, can you get Haven for me?"
"Right away, sir."
Turning back to Jake, the Commander says, "How'd you like to do what you seem to do best; protect others."
Jake lets out a nervous chuckle. "I'd hardly say I'm exactly good at protecting anyone. I couldn't protect my family, and despite my best efforts, I lost two people..."
The Commander raises a hand to stop Jake. "What happened to your family is unfortunate, but we both know there was nothing you could do. And I've heard every side of what happened at the alien base from you and the others, and aside from you, everyone thought your actions were exemplary. In their eyes, you didn't lose two people, you saved seven, and I'm inclined to agree with them."
"Sir, Sgt. Haven is here."
"Good, Mina, send him in." The Commander walks over to Jake and places his arm around his shoulder. "You see, Jake, Lt. Marshall is our head of security here. Well, was our head of security. One of our other guest in the civilian quarters caught his eye, but she didn't care much for him, and...well, let's just say you can find him down in the brig if you want to hear his side of the story, but the evidence against him is pretty substantial." A man walks into the room, and the Commander waves his hand towards him. "And so, Jake, I'd like you to meet his replacement."
"Sir?" Haven gives him a curious look.
"Charles Haven, I'm promoting you to the rank of Lieutenant. In addition, you are now Chief of Security. Congratulations."
Trying to hide his enthusiasm in order to stay professional, Haven says, "Thank you sir, I'm honored. Then, um, as my first act in my new position, I'd like to assign Freeman to take over my previous post."
The Commander shakes his head. "I'm sorry, but I'm afraid I can't authorize that."
Confused, Haven asks, "Is it not my job as head of security to assign such positions...sir?"
"It is, and I know that Freeman would be the best choice any other time." The Commander rifles through the papers on his desk until he finds the one he's looking for. "But morale has dropped by 40% in the civilian quarters, and Freeman is under investigation for stealing from those very civilians. I'm afraid putting him in charge of the civilian quarters would only make things worse."
Haven nods. "I...I see what you mean. Do you have any other suggestions." The Commander waves his hand at Jake. Again looking confused, Haven asks, "Him? Who is...isn't he the boy from that base? Sir, please don't misunderstand, I respect and trust your judgement, but he's young, and promoting a new recruit above all those other guards? Not to mention what...whatever they did to his head. I don't think the men would fully trust him. Are you sure you should?"
The Commander slowly walks over to Haven and places his arm around his shoulder. "Haven, my boy, trust is what is important right now. It is why we are here today. It is why you are Chief of Security now. I'm sure you know there are a number of individuals that, based on experience and seniority alone, deserve this position more then you."
"Yes sir, that is true. So why exactly are you promoting me."
The Commander pats Haven on the chest. "Pay attention son, I told you. Trust!" Haven gives him a questioning look, and the Commander elaborates. "You see, I'm getting really tired of assigning "The Best" to all of these positions, only to have them turn around and take advantage of the people they are supposed to look after. There are some great people here, but as I was telling Jake, it only takes a few rotten individuals to ruin everything, especially in such a delicate organization like this one. And even if everyone here was perfect, what if the aliens find the base? Or if some of those Exalt...nut jobs infiltrate our ranks. Or already have. I need people I can trust, and I trust Jake, weird alien implants or not. If I didn't, he wouldn't be in this base, at least not outside a containment cell in the labs. Right now, the only one I trust more then him is...well, you?"
Haven chuckles. "I'm honored sir."
"You'll make a fine Chief, and with your tutelage, Jake will excel in his position as well." The Commander turns to Jake. "If that's okay with you, of course."
Jake nods. "I'll do what I can, sir."
"Good. Don't let me down. Haven, will you see to getting him set up? And don't worry about naysayers. Any you can't convince yourself can answer to me."
"Right away, sir." Haven and Jake head for the door. As they exit, Haven places a head on Jake's shoulder, and asks, "So how did you do that vortex thing at the alien base?"
"Well, that's the thing," Jake answers. "I'm not sure I was the one..." The door closes behind them.
The Commander lets out a sigh of relief. Taking a seat in his chair, he grabs a thermos, takes a drink, and let's out a moan. Reaching for the intercom, he asks, "Mina, do you mind getting me some coffee that doesn't taste like pig slop?
"Yes, sir. I'll see if I can find you some that taste like mud."
The Commander let's out a disappointed groan, and gets back to work cleaning his office.
Last edited:
Dahlexpert
Well-Known Member
The infiltration job part 2
Eva is in a cab reviewing the gear she need for the job.
OK, let me see Camera the size of a tack, check microphone Ide check, and last but not least a Cole pistol that has been modified to fire tranquilizers.
This is your stop mam that will be 229.
Eve gives the cab driver 300 dollars, and continues on her way to the pentagon.Eve opens the door and shows her Ide, and security looks over the ide and then looks at Eve, eve gives the security guard a look of if you say any thing or press that red button on your desk I will kill you and every on in this building.
Um mam it seems that your Ide.
Eve leans towards the guard,puts her arm on the guards shoulder.look you can make this real easy or real hard,the easy way you let me go pass this door, and let me do my job, or option B you don't need to know what option B is.
The guard looks at the red button and moves his hand to wards it.Eve sighs and decides to point her pistol at the guards head.Now this here is a modified gun that fires tranquilizer darts it wont kill you but it will knock you out, now I say again will you do this the easy way or the hard way.
Before the guard response,eve fires her weapon at the guard.
Sigh people relay don't listen. Eve takes the body in to the men bathroom and hid him in one of the stalls, ok I have probable three to four minutes before some one finds this guy and tell security.
Eve rushes to the war room and close the door behind her, OK let's get to work. Eve pulls a small bag out of her pocket opens it and places a camera net to a picture of the president and another on the window. Ok now were to put the microphone. Eve looks at the desk ,perfect.
Eve places the microphone under the round table, Ok testing testing 1..2..1..2 ok the mikes work perfectly now it's time for me to get out of here.
Eve heads to wards the door and sees security coming out of the bathroom, she puts a hat on and tilts it to hide her face, she also takes off her name tag so no one will ask her to come and help.
and get's out of the pentagon and takes the bus to a small restraint, Ok time to see what the fuss is about.
Eve pulls out a little monitor and puts on headphones so no one can hear what she is hearing.
the world leaders walk in to the room and are wondering why are they hear.
Lades and gentile men the reason your are here, is because a few weeks ago we have discorded alien life heading to wards earth. the coffee eve was drinking she spits it out.
the rest of the world leaders only laugh at the lead scientist. Aliens really, do you have any proof of this alien activity.
A female scientist gets on the stage. Who is this. My name is DR Vahlen and I've been studding movement is space and discorded these strange pods heading for earth.
The room starts to laugh, Aliens really surly those are asteroids, I mean asteroids hit earth all the time, and this is clearly nothing more the a bunch of rocks.
DR Vahlen tries to plead to the world leaders, but they laugh her off, and deny funding for the X-COM project.
Eve turns off the monitor, Well now this should be interesting.
Eve calls Lüsett, did you see all of that my mistress. Yes come back home my dear we have some work to do.
Eva is in a cab reviewing the gear she need for the job.
OK, let me see Camera the size of a tack, check microphone Ide check, and last but not least a Cole pistol that has been modified to fire tranquilizers.
This is your stop mam that will be 229.
Eve gives the cab driver 300 dollars, and continues on her way to the pentagon.Eve opens the door and shows her Ide, and security looks over the ide and then looks at Eve, eve gives the security guard a look of if you say any thing or press that red button on your desk I will kill you and every on in this building.
Um mam it seems that your Ide.
Eve leans towards the guard,puts her arm on the guards shoulder.look you can make this real easy or real hard,the easy way you let me go pass this door, and let me do my job, or option B you don't need to know what option B is.
The guard looks at the red button and moves his hand to wards it.Eve sighs and decides to point her pistol at the guards head.Now this here is a modified gun that fires tranquilizer darts it wont kill you but it will knock you out, now I say again will you do this the easy way or the hard way.
Before the guard response,eve fires her weapon at the guard.
Sigh people relay don't listen. Eve takes the body in to the men bathroom and hid him in one of the stalls, ok I have probable three to four minutes before some one finds this guy and tell security.
Eve rushes to the war room and close the door behind her, OK let's get to work. Eve pulls a small bag out of her pocket opens it and places a camera net to a picture of the president and another on the window. Ok now were to put the microphone. Eve looks at the desk ,perfect.
Eve places the microphone under the round table, Ok testing testing 1..2..1..2 ok the mikes work perfectly now it's time for me to get out of here.
Eve heads to wards the door and sees security coming out of the bathroom, she puts a hat on and tilts it to hide her face, she also takes off her name tag so no one will ask her to come and help.
and get's out of the pentagon and takes the bus to a small restraint, Ok time to see what the fuss is about.
Eve pulls out a little monitor and puts on headphones so no one can hear what she is hearing.
the world leaders walk in to the room and are wondering why are they hear.
Lades and gentile men the reason your are here, is because a few weeks ago we have discorded alien life heading to wards earth. the coffee eve was drinking she spits it out.
the rest of the world leaders only laugh at the lead scientist. Aliens really, do you have any proof of this alien activity.
A female scientist gets on the stage. Who is this. My name is DR Vahlen and I've been studding movement is space and discorded these strange pods heading for earth.
The room starts to laugh, Aliens really surly those are asteroids, I mean asteroids hit earth all the time, and this is clearly nothing more the a bunch of rocks.
DR Vahlen tries to plead to the world leaders, but they laugh her off, and deny funding for the X-COM project.
Eve turns off the monitor, Well now this should be interesting.
Eve calls Lüsett, did you see all of that my mistress. Yes come back home my dear we have some work to do.
PrismaCube
Well-Known Member
Quess who just got from a long two week vacation without internet 
oh you poor thingQuess who just got from a long two week vacation without internet
Oh, I didn't know you were taking a vacation in my version of Hell. Hope you didn't leave your sanity behind.Quess who just got from a long two week vacation without internet
Dahlexpert
Well-Known Member
Quess who just got from a long two week vacation without internet
Damn two weeks,I can barely go three days but two weeks you poor boy.
PrismaCube
Well-Known Member
Thank you all for your Compassion <3
- Status